The new face of India
The new face of India Print
Politics
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By Ravindar Bawa

 

It’s the dawn of a new revolution in India. Social activism is a new trend among the commoners. From ‘gandhigiri’, following the principles of non-violence, to joining protests and marches, the citizens are raising voice for their rights.

 

 

Originally published by Dawn

 

In the last few years this trend has spread all over, whether small towns or big cities. The recent example is the anti-corruption movement of Anna Hazare, India’s face for fight against corruption. In April this year, he fasted, demanding a law against corrupt politicians and bureaucrats. To show solidarity, thousands of Indians from all walks of life, regardless of socio-economic backgrounds, connected. The fight is still on and Hazare still garners huge support from all over.

 

As India celebrates its 65th independence day, Dawn.com spoke to people from different walks of life to find out if this is just a trend or an era of revolution. Gay rights activist Pramada Menon says that multiplicity of movements is on the rise. “What has happened in India is that now people are claiming spaces. There are many different things that are happening, in different modes and in different ways. The forms of protests are evolving and I see it happening more in the future.”

 

Vikas Rewoo, software professional who believes in supporting causes feels that “India is witnessing a change and the foundations of a better India are being laid.”

 

Major impetus to this swing among the Indians comes form the youth. The recently organised Slut Walk to protest against the injustice and discrimination women have to face was the most talked about. Young students took the lead and decided to make a statement on the streets to attract attention. Ritu Sinha, who participated in the walk says, “Nowadays it is comparatively easier to gather support for any cause as the word is spread through social networking sites, internet forums, mobiles and other means. We have seen a rise in the protests at the University of Delhi and there is more awareness among the students.”

 

Its not just students, people from the world of business, professionals, housewives, children- in the recent protests have come together. Ajit Punesar, a businessman from north India says, “It all depends what affects you. If the issue of corruption affects me it is time I make a noise and when we get platforms where we can join in, why should we hesitate.”

 

Social observers believe that this new awakening of the middle class is here to stay and people will come forward to raise voices against injustice. Sociologist Ranjana Kumari explains, “We see more and more people coming out to support causes because politicians have failed them as leaders. The political class is being irresponsible, taking people for granted and do not have any transparency, which is now being demanded by the people. This trend is as a result of the discontent and dissatisfaction among the people who have been let down by the politicians.”

 

Kumari goes on to add “This century has been a century of assertions. Dalits have asserted their rights for their uplift, women have asserted their rights for equality and justice and this is the strength of a democratic system, to provide space to divergent views. It is a time of upheaval and lot of churning in our democratic system.”

 

But is this something new for India or has existed earlier. Author Anie Zaidi says, “Right from 1857 to 1947, we have had movements. India may have seen a lull in people’s movements for about two decades. But if you read our social and political history, you will see that new movements were starting up even in the 60s and 70s. In different parts of the country, there were pockets of dissent, disenchantment, and even violent protests. The only reason we are remarking on ‘civil’ society movements now is perhaps that the middle class had gotten used to thinking of itself as apolitical. Now they are taking an interest in political themes and struggles but seem to prefer to align themselves with NGOs or non-political leaders.”

 

But the emergence of civil society has its flaws. Gopal Krishna, Member, Citizens Forum for Civil Society, says, “The civil society intervention is more symbolic. When there is no one saying anything it makes sense to have at least this symbolism but we cannot depend on this symbolism for any substantive action.”

 

Krishna adds, “The civil society is working in a political and historical vacuum. Since there is no engagement with history these movements become just clinical strikes. This symbolism has its limitations during the movement and after the movement and the limitations are quite visible.”

 

Karma Paljor a journalist from CNN-IBN comments, “Many Indians do not practice their franchise as they have lost faith in the democratic system. The constitution of India provides space for all kinds of voices. These spurts of patriotic movements to save the country are fueled by social networking sites and are seen as in thing. But while all this started in a frivolous way this is one way that Indians will slowly come to learn that even their one vote matters.”