More than 3,500 people danced on the tunes of fusion music including graba, bhangra and pop music
…And the freedom movement was re-born with Ahmedabad Rising on Thursday at Gujarat Vidyapith. City, which had lost its firm voice within the modern-day cynicism and commercial politicisation, has perhaps gained its voice back with this movement that made its initial beginnings on an amazingly grand scale.
Ahmedabad, which was once a hub of all pre-independence freedom movements, was shyly silent since decades. However, with a loud bang city has jumped back to life. The fighting spirit which was perhaps ebbing has suddenly broken free by the rising event. The city indeed has woken up to the cause which was evident in the zeal and zest of the large crowds looming over the ground.
“Uge Amdavad..Jage Amdavad…” thundering voice of Saumil Munshi, noted musician of the city boosted the students, kids, adults and aged alike to swirl on the tunes of the spirited lyrics penned down by senior poet Tushar Shukla. “I have done many garba events, but the spell and magic of music and poetry has never touched and appealed the people in a way that it has did at this garba event,” said Saumil emotively. “I have put my heart and soul into my performance today especially as I too support the cause,” he added.
Dressed in purple – international colour to support the cause of condemning violence against women – eminent danseuse Mallika Sarabhai, who is one of the prime initiators and who could envision the happenings of Ahmedabad Rising – a part of the global movement One Billion Rising (OBR) was thronged by her fans at the event. She happily played the role of an inspiring guardian for the Amdavadi folk at the event. Girls and young students danced along with her and hugged her tight to express their gratitude. Sarabhai said, “The beginnings have taken place. But we have long road ahead. We want to sensitize society to this issue and reach its all segments. During the next phase we plan to work with parents and come out with a handbook of guidelines to curb the practise to inequality towards women that harbours in every home.”
The event began with screening of OBR flagship clip which is shown as a precursor to the event at 164 countries. Then the dancers and activists from team Darpana began garba on the stage. They invited public participation and the real event kick started.
Without boundaries of class, creed, age, gender and caste the people mingled and danced in circular garba patterns to share and boost the collective fighting spirit. Gandhian scholar Tridip Suhrud, noted educationist Manjula Puja Shroff, film maker Yadavan Chandran, Liza Chazot, educationist Nashi Chauhan and more – dignitaries joined hands with double plated bow-tied rural girls and burkha-clad women in garba and supported the big cause.
Performance by Delhi’s three-woman band Space entertained and inspired masses. The artists – singers Tritha Sinha, Ritika Singh and dancer Parvati Tampi rendered lyrical bhagra using guitar. They played tunes from Kali’s Forest – their signature composition voicing wrath over violence afflicted upon women. “I have never been inspired more,” said Dr Prathama Raghavan, a child psychologist who participated in the garba. “The powerful participation from children, young students to support this cause has brought tears to my eyes. They will take the memories of this grand event with them which will always remind them to support the cause and fight against violence against women,” she added.
