As we approach the 75th Republic Day of India tomorrow, and for this entire month of January, we are remembering our great women icons whose Jayanti, that is birth anniversaries, fall in this month. Savitribai Phule, Fatima Sheikh, and Jijasaheb , who not only represent the diversity of Indian grassroot communities who have led social, political and intellectual reform, and whose work continues to inspire entire movements as well as common women, men and youth on the ground. As part of the series of intellectual gatherings, film screenings, study circles, talks and other events in this month, more than 100 adolescents and youth from different Nomadic and Denotified Tribes, and Adivasi communities came together last week.
A screening of the movie Satyashodhak opened up the life stories of leaders and incidents about whom they had heard like Mukta Salve, Lahuji Salve and their ground-breaking stands against patriarchy, casteism, Brahmanism and Manuwadi thought. The youngsters hold these icons very close to their hearts – because throwing open the doors of rights and resources from education to drinking water to expression at great risk to their own lives – holds a very different and real meaning for these youth in comparison to those from privileged backgrounds. These youth consider these icons as their personal heroines… and their personal role models. The solidarities being built among these daughters and sons of Savitrimai is inspiring.
