600 theatre practitioners in India have urged the public to vote against ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s 'divisive politics.
A statement issued by theatre makers calls to reject 'politics of hatred, drawing attention to the Indian constitution’s inclusive beliefs'.
The statement was issued via Artists Unite India website in 12 different regional languages. Signatories include Naseeruddin Shah, Amol Palekar, Abhishek Majumdar, Choiti Ghosh, Dadi Pudumjee, Dolly Thakore, Danish Husain, Lillete Dubey and others.
The statement drew attention to India's diversity and urged the public to not allow 'politics of hatred' to take the country back to the Colonial era. They said theatre has always been a voice against religious sectarianism, chauvinism, narrowness and irrationality and that it will continue to fulfill its duties.
Taking jabs at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the joint-statement said that “today, song, dance, laughter is under threat. Today, our beloved Constitution is under threat. The institutions that have to nurture argument, debate and dissent have been suffocated. To question, to call out lies, to speak the truth, is branded ‘anti-national’. The seeds of hatred have entered our food, prayers and festivals.”
They urged the public to vote against BJP and Modi, adding that the weak and impoverished deserve better.
"Vote to empower the weakest, protect liberty, protect the environment, and foster scientific thinking," the statement said.
A statement issued by theatre makers calls to reject 'politics of hatred, drawing attention to the Indian constitution’s inclusive beliefs'.
The statement was issued via Artists Unite India website in 12 different regional languages. Signatories include Naseeruddin Shah, Amol Palekar, Abhishek Majumdar, Choiti Ghosh, Dadi Pudumjee, Dolly Thakore, Danish Husain, Lillete Dubey and others.
The statement drew attention to India's diversity and urged the public to not allow 'politics of hatred' to take the country back to the Colonial era. They said theatre has always been a voice against religious sectarianism, chauvinism, narrowness and irrationality and that it will continue to fulfill its duties.
Taking jabs at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the joint-statement said that “today, song, dance, laughter is under threat. Today, our beloved Constitution is under threat. The institutions that have to nurture argument, debate and dissent have been suffocated. To question, to call out lies, to speak the truth, is branded ‘anti-national’. The seeds of hatred have entered our food, prayers and festivals.”
They urged the public to vote against BJP and Modi, adding that the weak and impoverished deserve better.
"Vote to empower the weakest, protect liberty, protect the environment, and foster scientific thinking," the statement said.
Have something to say about the story? Write in the comments section below