The following are snatches of conversations, comments and opinions captured during the fourth World Social Forum (WSF), which took place in Mumbai, India on Jan 16 - 21.

According to the organisers , the WSF is not an organisation, not a united front platform, but "an open meeting place for reflective thinking, democratic debate of ideas, formulation of proposals, free exchange of experiences and inter-linking for effective action, by groups and movements of civil society that are opposed to neo- liberalism and to domination of the world by capital and any form of imperialism, and are committed to building a society centred on the human person".

"This (WSF) is truly the spirit of the alternative."

"Rich diversity of activities Inspiring."

"This (WSF) is hope but there is the long struggle."

"I brought my son for exposure He needs to know that another world is possible".

"This is certainly a movement of movements."

"So many better worlds for all are possible."

"[Corporate] Globalisation cannot be reformed It must be smashed!"

"The invisible (local initiatives) becomes visible, and the visible become globalised from below."

"People all over the world are doing so much I must contribute more for a better world. I am not doing enough."

"These native sounds here... Wow, I just want to dance to the rhythm of the new world."

"The alternative to corporate globalisation is here to stay"

"A humane and just communist society is possible."

(Comment against the general bad publicity for communism/socialism.)

"This (WSF) is the real borderless community."

"Globalise the struggle, globalise hope."

"Unity. Unity. Unity Diversity. Diversity. Diversity."

"This is such a deep and meaningful event I came here to get my 'batteries' charged."

"What do you want? No war; When do you want it? Now!"

Photos and text by M NADARAJAH. Dr Nadarajah teaches sociology and organisation theory at Stamford College and is involved in activities related to sustainable development and urbanisation. He is also the deputy coordinator of the Asian Communication Network, an NGO which works toward enhancing interfaith communication.