If a popular WhatsApp forward is to be believed, over 200 conscientious Maharashtra residents have resolved to wave white flags/scarves near Shivaji Maharaja’s statues state-wide on May 1,2022 (Labour Day) to protest growing communalism in India.
To battle the social media hate, a WhatsApp forward terming itself a Patrak (Marathi for leaflet) is making the rounds and calling for planned peaceful action against the attempts to create a communal rift in society. The letter, signed by many dignitaries, claimed that the division of India’s religious diversity is a purposeful move to increase the mania, fear and social tension among citizens.
“We, the Indian citizens who sign this letter, are deeply disturbed and distressed by this rising tide of events. We value social brotherhood, peace, love and tolerance and strongly believe that communication is the way to solve problems in society. Following this we have drawn the next program,” said the leaflet emphasising that the activities are not a call for action by any organization, party or individual, but a citizens’ initiative.
It calls upon people to gather near a Shivaji Maharaj statue in the locality on Sunday from 9 AM to 10 AM with white cloths, papers as a symbol of love. Rather than announcements, songs, or discussions, the people will stay mute to express their frustration against the growing intolerance in a peaceful manner.
“If you are planning to hold this event in your area, we request you to give advance notice to the local police. Don’t do this event if they don’t give permission. We do not want to break the law and order under any circumstances,” said the leaflet.
Further, for people unable to attend such events, the document suggested posting such photos with white scarves or paper on social media. The leaflet stressed that this is an optional and not a binding event.
However, it said, “If you agree after reading this leaflet, register your name in the response and distribute this leaflet to many people.”
The contents of the leaflet have also been shared widely on another social media website Facebook:
The document claims to have been signed by various well known citizens of Maharashtra, including but not limited to Tushar Gandhi, Amol Palekar, Jayant Bhimsen Joshi, Anish Patwardhan, Hamid and Mukta Dabholkar. As of Wednesday, 202 people submitted their names. However, the list is likely to grow by the weekend.
Meanwhile, on April 26, as many as 108 former bureaucrats wrote a three-page letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express concern about the “Escalation of violation against minority communities, particularly Muslims”. According to Indian Express, signatories said this posed a threat to the constitutional edifice as state governments appeared to be fully complicit in the affairs. From Maharashtra, bureaucrats like Julio Roberio, Ravi Buddharaja, V P Raja, Meeran Borwankar and Anna Dani signed the letter.
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