For a majority of people, satyagraha evokes images of a group of senior citizens sitting together in a sombre atmosphere singing bhajans. But non-violent resistance was never meant to be limited to the sphere of the elderly, and in attempt to shatter this stereotype, hundreds of youth across the city will be participating in a satyagraha next week to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Mass Youth Satyagraha is being being conducted by the Gram Seva Sangh in collaboration with Gandhi Smarak Nidhi and is a call for religious tolerance and Gram Swaraj.
In an attempt to generate a buzz on social media and connect with their target audience, the organisers have come up with a hashtag - #SatyagrahaMaadi.
Prasanna Heggodu, founder of Gram Seva Sangha, said the idea was to bridge the gap between Gandhiji and the youth. Participants will be fasting for from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will also showcase dance performances, street plays, exhibitions and sale of books, handloom, saplings, and organic products.
“We want to project this Mass Youth Satyagraha as fun and make ideas like fasting attractive to youngsters,” said Mr. Heggodu. Making note of the “wave of intolerance sweeping India”, he cited politico-economic decentralisation as envisaged by Gandhiji as a solution. “Growing economic disparity and mindless urbanisation is increasing intolerance,” he said.
Registration for the event was opened on Wednesday and over 300 youngsters have signed up. Organisers are expecting around 1,000 people to participate in the event. According to Mr. Prasanna there will also be fashion show where stylist Prasad Bidappa will demonstrate how Gandhiji made a “political and fashion statement” through his choice of fabric and attire, which was different from the western perspective.
As a prelude to the satyagraha, the organisers are holding weeklong workshops in several city colleges on non-violent forms of communication.
S. Japhet, Vice-Chancellor, Bengaluru Central University, said they would encourage students to participate in the event. “There is a need for students to learn that many problems can be solved through dialogue and discussion. Non-violence is not just about physical violence. It is the way we communicate and negotiate,” he said.
The main event will be held on October 6 at Ravindra Kalakshetra from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
