Shaheen Bagh 2020
While JNU* is the head, with its clear articulation of politics and policies, reason and rationality, Shaheen Bagh is the heart. Of course not without the agency of critical thinking and oozing only compassion. Above all, the resilience of the women who have been peacefully protesting over so many weeks makes this protest a unique one.
A quick visit fills you up with hope and compassion — the heartfelt and humourous slogans, the passing around of snacks and chai, the ammi, dadi and aapi-s sitting with their children in the bitter cold yet generating enough warmth to make you feel immediately welcomed.
I wonder how many of us, privileged folks can afford to disrupt our daily routine to participate in protest marches and gatherings on a regular basis? And be like the mothers of Shaheen Bagh even for a day? There is a lot to learn.
Between the head and the heart, there is enough inspiration to educate yourself and spring to action in whatever way possible. Talk to a friend who is still blinded by hatred, contribute financially to the right places so that this resistance can be sustained, create and amplify messages to educate yourself and those around you, re-read the Constitution. Let the truth not get buried under the rotten whataboutery and propaganda.
*and Jamia, JU, +++
