Sanchita
The farmers’ protest in India catapulted into global spotlight after international icons like Rihanna and Greta Thunberg tweeted about the same.
However, the Centre immediately issued a statement (without naming them) saying that the celebrity comments were sensationalist and irresponsible.
Bollywood Biggies like Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar and Ajay Devgn who were silent about the protests till now, supported the Centre’s statement – tweeting #India Against Propaganda. This kicked up a social media storm with some people arguing that the farmers’ protests were an ‘internal matter’ and comments of foreign celebrities were considered to be an interference.
However, Veere Di Wedding actress Swara Bhasker who has been quite vocal in her support to farmers can be seen questioning what exactly counts as an ‘internal issue’. She also pointed out how Bollywood celebs had openly commented on the Black Lives Matter movement in US.
Here’s what she told Spotboye – “We first need to address the issue of what is an internal issue? Is injustice in any part of the world an internal issue? Because if it is, then we should not discuss anything except what happens within the boundaries of our own countries, states, cities and mohallas.”
“We can’t be that self-centred. When George Floyd was murdered and the black-lives-matter movement happened, our celebrities were regularly tweeting on it.”
She also wondered how the Indian government didn’t think about ‘internal matters’ while commenting on global issues themselves.
“Our government regularly issues statements on happenings around the world, the most recent being the coup in Myanmar. How come when our government comments on global issues we don’t think of internal matters?”
The actress-activist was of the opinion that in this age of technology anyone can have access to information and had the right to express their views – “I think this is an era of technology and communication. All information is accessible to everyone at all times. People everywhere know what’s happening around the world and they express that opinion. And that’s the way it should be. What is wrong with that?”
Swara also emphasized that the international reactions on the protests were not commenting on the farm laws but rather questioning the ‘internet blackout’ and the ‘treatment of farmers’.
“I think the farmers’ protest has become such a large global issue because of the way our government has responded to it. If you notice, a lot of international celebrities are talking about the internet blackout and the crackdown on farmers and the militarization of Delhi borders. They are not commenting on the Farm Laws, per se. They are commenting on the way the farmers are being treated, and I don’t understand why that’s a problem,” She concluded.
What do you think of Swara’s views?
