India Social Forum witnessed impassioned speeches, shocking stories of state atrocities on dalits and adivasis, and a clarion call to continue the struggle for a more just society. But what endures in the minds of participants and onlookers is the outpouring of cultural expression reinvigorating activists and generating fresh support for campaigns.

Say it with satire

Munnabhai and Circuit, the vibrant, satirical theatre duo made people laugh, provoked them to think as they took President George Bush to task in their popular street plays performed 32 times during the five day event. 

Positive Voices

The candlelight memorial for those who have lost their lives to AIDS broke all barriers of prejudice. Kiran Shaheen, convenor of the ‘Kabir Concert’ at ISF and head of campaigns at ActionAid says, “During the lighting of the candles we played the soulful voice of hindi-rock star Palash Sen singing heart-warming lyrics penned Ricky Tombing an HIV positive young man from the North East. The emotional charge this brought to the atmosphere was intense.”

Shelly, Ricky’s sister, conveyed his message to the audience: “Ricky really wanted to be part of this gathering, but unfortunately he took ill a night before his flight and is now hospitalised in New Lamka near Myanmar. He has a message for HIV positive people and for those who seek to understand their feelings – people living with HIV are positive in their attitude to life, and we have the will to do something meaningful.” 

Amid the applause, HIV positive dancers from Manipur took to the stage, underscoring the message that a virus cannot kill one’s passion for life.

Musical fusion

The combination of rock and Sufi music got thousands dancing. An estimated 10,000 danced to the classic “Chaap Tilak Sab Chini” in a brand new rhythm brought alive by youth rock band Manthan. Kiran says, “The audience would not let the artists go even though it was way past closing time.” 

Pierre Alain Baud, a French government representative and a Sufi enthusiast, found the concert “brilliant! “It’s the first time I have experienced such a novel fusion of Sufi with rock and light classical music” he explains.

Cultural harmony

The enthusiasm with which the audience responded to the music and plays at ISF was infectious and provided encouragement to activists to keep up their efforts. 

Zakia Jowher, a peace activist with ActionAid says, “I saw the rapt attention of spectators when Rafiq Warsi from Gujarat sang of communal harmony, and the jubilant response to rock group Manthan, and how they joined in with the music. It really made me wonder… Seminars and workshops have their place but we must never forget how important cultural expression can be.”

On the theme of peace and justice, Sabir Ali’s cultural action group Souhard staged a hard hitting play ‘Hatyaare’. “The play revealed how political leaders and vested interests in their home state Rajasthan try to disrupt peace and incite communities against each other by spreading rumours, burning properties and even killing people from different religions to spark riots,” says Zakia. “It was a huge crowd puller,” she adds.

Activist tradition

Time and again activists and social groups have used songs, dance and theatre to keep their morale high. The India Social Forum reinforced that culture keeps social movements and campaigns going in the hardest of times. 

The World Social Forum will assemble next in Nairobi, Kenya (January 2007).