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Strength in unity
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Constitutional values form the core of Apna Watan
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ANNUAL DAY Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kanchanbagh, staged a play titled `Waapsi' for Apna Watan Photo: D. Gopalakrishnan
While most of us were too shocked to react to the 2002 riots that broke out in Gujarat, some of our fellow city dwellers were inspired to form an action group called `Apna Watan'.
This voluntary organisation enthusiastically promotes national integration and Indian constitutional values. Being deeply disturbed by the fact that what happened in Gujarat could quite easily be repeated in Hyderabad, they felt the need to sensitise citizens and encourage communal amity.
"Every citizen has a commitment to promote peace and harmony, hence the name Apna Watan — which stresses on `ours' rather than `mine' or `yours'. There is a golden thread that runs through all religions and if we can focus on the positive, `hate campaigns' can be kept in check. And we find street theatre a very effective medium to convey this message and the audience almost always, spontaneously voices a similar interest to foster peace and not have their day-to-day life disrupted by violence," says the president, Farida Hussain. During one such play that was performed outside Food World, Mehdipatnam, onlooker D.R. Vinod felt a strong urge and joined the group instantly. "I feel the only way to combat communal discord is by spreading awareness through such activities."
Towards this end, Apna Watan organises plays, talks and competitions for children. Forty schools in the city took part in the script-writing competition and the best ones were recently staged by various schools. They also offer their support and liaison with police officials to help maintain peace and harmony during major festivals like the Ganesh immersion, Moharrum, etc. "Quite often, a very insignificant clash between two individuals is blown out of proportion and given a communal colour. For the folly of a few, whole communities are blamed. Misunderstanding leads to lack of trust and these issues need to be addressed," says Sanghamitra Malik, secretary, Apna Watan.
On the occasion of their third annual day celebrations, Apna Watan felicitated Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer, Chairman of the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai, and recipient of the Right Livelihood Award 2004. Dr. Ali stressed that "the three D's — Democracy, Diversity and Dialogue — and respecting the Right to be Different are the need of the hour."
The guest of honour, V.S. Ramadevi, ex-Govenor, Karnataka released Apna Watan Vani, the first newsletter of Apna Watan.
The members of Apna Watan are like-minded people from diverse backgrounds who are certain that the composite culture of India can be preserved if people transcend religious, linguistic and regional differences.
For those who share this belief and are willing to work at making their motto Hum Sab Ek Hain a reality, Apna Watan offers a platform. For membership details, contact 98497 57141.
PADMINI B. PATELL
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