Activism

"Activists like you don't know a thing about this country or our problems. Look at this person/movement. They have done something good for society. That is called real empowerment. Why do you people go into the street and create ruckus?'

This is an often repeated view we all come across from friends, peers and elders. It comes out as a reaction to the recent protests, both online and on the streets. These people assume that 'activists' do nothing constructive for society but simply divide it. Some of them call 'activists' attention-seeking. Is it true? No, it is not. Ask any activist. They will tell you that they are not seeking attention to themselves. They are urging you to look into the problem. But why isn't that happening? Probably because people are only looking at the person but not the idea. Then how is it justified to say they are attention-seeking people? We have hundreds of examples where activists are slammed for their choices. Most of the times we don't think their version of the story. We pass judgements. We don't look at the problem because we have a trust deficit. We think they are here to destroy us while they think we are supporting the existing setup. This has resulted in a communication gap. 

Photo: Reconteur

The portrayal of an activist

As I see it, it is not the 'activists' who are the problem. It is the portrayal of an activist. What comes to you when you think of an activist? Slogans, dissenting dialogues, rallies, marches, etc, isn't it? Some of you would feel that they are nor doing their 'duty', which is to study. What if studying has become a tough task for some people? We have witnessed caste/religion based favouritism in higher education institutes. Many students including Rohit Vemula decided to let go of this world because they were ill-treated.

Look around you! There is inequality everywhere. Men/women, upper caste/lower caste, high income/low income, etc. Activists fight for equality. They believe in a fair world where people can live freely. Contrary to what you see or hear, they are as humans like you and me, 'not terrorists'. They are agitated because of the existing scenario, something we created or remained silenced. You may be happy with the way things are at present. But they are not because they act on the ground and listen to the problems of the affected people. Most of their concerns are real and genuine. 

Activism is not an anti-national activity

Some people think they do not stand up for the country. Is that argument valid? Activists fight for an inclusive nation. They want all voices to be heard. They are angry and impatient because of suppression. We mock, counsel and criticise them. 

But have we not narrowed down our imagination of the nation? If we widen our perspective and look around, can we see something different? Listen to our inner conscience and think about it. 

The last pillar of hope, the judiciary too has fallen into the trap of not listening to the dissenting voices but to stand with the majoritarian view. 

Why do you need to listen to an activist? The ruling party may deny. But the problems activists raise are real. Any doubts, please do your research! We need to initiate a dialogue. The governments, instead of branding them as 'accusers' need to listen to their voices and initiate dialogues. We need to lend an ear to the youth in our country. How long do we think that all those who speak against a ruling front are conspirators? Why do they deserve negative treatment when they are fighting for the right cause? Let us be more inclusive for the sake of people.