The MAI, she warns, ``is worse than the infamous General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT). ``I don't know how the media can `keep silent over MAI. We will be nowhere once the developed nations trap us by forcing us to sign MAI,'' says Patkar. She warns that with the ratification of the MAI the Indian economy will be in the vice-grip of multi-national corporations.

The implication of signing the agreement which is currently being given a final shape in Paris by 29 Overseas Economic Council for Development (OECD) countries, Patkar says, is that MNCs will be able to file suits in the court of law against the state governments and vice-versa would not be possible.``I am sure the parliamentarians will not find any time todiscuss it (as in case of GATT), once they are pressured by the powerful western countries,'' fears Patkar, who feels that the agreement will be finalised by May this year.

For this diminutive woman in her early forties and her nation-wide peoples' movement for environmental protection, the cause of the destitutes of Sardar Sarovar was her battleground for the preparation of her an out war against rampant entry of multi-nationals (MNCs).

Why is Patkar against MNCs? Her critics say, she is anti-development and against economic liberalisation. She agrees, adding ``development for me is not production of luxury goods which are manufactured by big corporate sectors (both MNCs and Indian) for commercial ends.''

Right from her TISS days, her single-handed fight against multinationals has not been easy. From Sardar Sarovar Project to Gopalpur Steel Plant, her fight for the locals continues.

She points out that none of the MNCs practise development without affecting natural resources or have undertaken anysincere effort to preserve or improve living conditions of the local populace, let alone provide social justice and equality to all. ``I am not against the kind of industrialisation per se, but they should not be at the cost of human lives,'' adds Patkar. ``They all talk of rehabilitation. But can you name a single company in the corporate sector which is really bothers to pursue sustainable development after their plant is set up?'' questions Patkar.

She cites the case of the Tatas in Gopalpur, Orissa. The Tatas are all set to spoil the environs at Gopalpur, a place so backward that people would die to get clean drinking water, she thunders.

An agonised Patkar says she failed to understand why the nation, after failing to attain sustainable development in 45 years, abruptly announced economic liberalisation. All is not lost, opines the NBA leader; we can use appropriate technology suitable to our development without despoiling the environment.

She blames the depredation of the environment on a lack ofpolitical will, and suggests that economic planning be decentralised.

So is there a life beyond her `environmentalist' image? Any political ambition? Patkar, after being in the media glare for her activism, has no other aim but to fight for social causes.