I don’t know if they own the farms they work on, and I understand their life is tough – but it was Earth Day yesterday and I smiled when I thought of the women in Mewat working in the vast, green and golden fields.
The blue sky… (not seen in my neighbourhood)
And the birds.
And it might all change disappear in future, in the name of development.
Mewat sunset by Brat Three.
And though I am was disheartened after reading about the rigging, violence, death and curfew in Punhana, Mewat.
And although there is no news of re-polling, yet.
And I still don’t know how without zero tolerance to any kind of foul play, do we expect to have free and fair elections?
How do we expect non-violent ordinary people (like us) to be involved then?
Do you think this involvement of common man and women can make a difference? I do.
Sanjana talking about Right to Vote to equal citizens – some of who officially vote, but possibly have never seen a polling booth.
It’s difficult sad to imagine violence in the peaceful, sometimes picturesque, villages we walked the lanes of.
There were women at work everywhere.
A friend asked, “Are you more involved in these elections than in any earlier elections?”
It sounded like an accusation and I felt almost apologetic at first 😦
But this is exactly what has changed. Many of us who were outraged by the system, and willing to contribute time and energy knew no way in which we could make a real difference.
I used to wonder then, when we read in our History text books about ordinary people stepping out of their homes to support Gandhi. It’s easier to believe and totally understand that now – specially when you can see it happening.
The commonest Indian crib was – “Is desh ka kuch naheen ho sakta” (Nothing can be done for this country)
And then something changed.
Alka talking to women in Taudu. I had taken only 300mm F/4 (zoom lens) so could not capture the actual scene – a small group in the fields at some distance.
So there we were, city people, some of who had never been to a village before, in and out of Mewat homes and lanes, drinking tea, talking, listening – warmly welcomed by strangers who did not expect to see us again.
And we were learning more than text books or media could ever teach.
I intend to go back and share this picture with this family 🙂 And maybe be, be a part of their lives in more ways than just listening to them.
And the most amazing part: I am not the only one.
So yes, I am more involved in #Elections2014, and for this opportunity I am grateful to the person who made it possible.
Related Posts:
Feeling safe, learning and unlearning nothing in Mewat.
The future and AAP – SHIV VISVANATHAN
Three young women… what do they have in common?
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Here is the statement by Shazia Ilmi in response to the video clip:
I wish to clarify the statement attributed to me regarding exhorting the Muslims to be more communal. Nothing can be farther from my intent and indeed my politics. It is quite clear from the tone and tenor of the conversation that I am using the word ‘secular’ and ‘communal’ in an ironic manner. And in an informal casual setting wherein a 80 second video clip purports to put context to a half hour conversation. The point was simply to say that the Muslim community has allowed itself to be used far too long by the so-called secular politics. It would be much better if the community were to turn to their real-life material interests, the so-called community interests like education, employment, etc. It should also be noted that I am making a plea to vote for a candidate who is not Muslim, and in the name of a leader who is not Muslim. I am shocked to see a statement like this can be distorted and misconstrued as communal or inciting hatred. My party and I have always stood against any form of communalism and shall continue to do so.
Aam Aadmi Party would like to reiterate that the party does not believe in politics of communalism and is strictly against it. Neither will we evade or take lightly, concerns of AAP supporters and general public over such a serious issue. However, the fact that those who have brought this 80 second clip in public domain have not shared the rest of the video which can show the actual context, raises serious questions about the intentions behind the video clip. If they have really done this in public interest, we request them to share the full unclipped video or the link to download it in public and also send it to us at socialmedia@aamaadmiparty.org, so that the truth becomes clear between what is being attributed through the short clip and the response to it.
http://www.aamaadmiparty.org/shazia-ilmis-statement-on-the-video-clip
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I’m so glad that some of us are more involved. I guess at some point we realize that the only way we can keep hope alive is by getting involved! Loved the post
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http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/chandigarh/ec-orders-re-polling-in-eight-booths-of-gurgaon-lok-sabha-seat/article1-1218771.aspx
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