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‘Dhaai Akhar Prem’, the cultural pedestrian journey has been started from Rajasthan from September 28th and is scheduled to reach Delhi on January 30, 2024. This journey includes various progressive grassroots organizations, literary figures, theatre artists, musicians, intellectuals, human rights activists, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, all coming together to promote mutual love, brotherhood, camaraderie, social justice, and peace while engaging in discussions with local people. This journey aims to revive the Ganga-Jamuni heritage of the nation, reestablishing values like freedom, equality, and unity in society.
September 28, 2023: Thursday
In the first stage of the journey, on the first day, September 28, the participating organization ‘Jan Natya Manch’(Janam) presented their street play “Sanjhi Re Chadar” at three different locations in Alwar. Malayashree Hashmi and her team showcased the multicultural fabric of the society through songs and witty dialogues in their street play at Vivekananda Chowk, Hope Circus and Company Bagh in Alwar from 2 pm to 5 pm, along with short stories based on historical facts. The mention of the common culture of the country, the human suffering of Corona, the friendship between saint poets Tulsidas and Rahim is noteworthy. The play suggested how various issues of life can be solved by covering yourself with the blanket of friendship. The ‘Dhai Akhar Prem’ cultural journey exemplifies this concept by symbolically using a handwoven scarf, visible during the performance, where an actress weaved colorful patterns on a symbolic loom.
This play was written by Brijesh and directed by Atman and Komita. The actors included Ashok, Brijesh, Dista, Komita, Kritarth, Malayashree, Mustafa, Priyanka, Purbasha, Riddhijit, Sachi, and Vijay.
At Hop Circus, the companions Nisar Ali and his associates from Chhattisgarh presented the play ‘Gamcha Bechaiya’, and they also asked for economic support. Local sweet vendors treated everyone with Alwar’s famous milk cake. After the play, Harishankar Goyal provided interesting information about Alwar at Company Bagh and also discussed Swami Vivekananda’s journey in Rajasthan. Following the play, Malayashree Hashmi from Janam, historian Harishankar Goyal, Professor Shambhu Gupta, Professor Ramesh Bairwa, Aidwa’s state vice president Raisa, Rajasthan Ipta’s state president Jagdish Sharma, and Secretary Sanjay Vidrohi, Virendra Krantikari from Bharat Parivar, Tejpal Saini from Etak, Gajraj Singh from Bijli workers foundation were welcomed by Ipta’s national president Prasanna, executive president Rakesh Veda and other guests from outside by offering Gamcha.
The journey started from Company Bagh and concluded at Bhagat Singh Chowk passing through wonder mall and Janana Hospital. It was the final leg of the journey on that day.
The ‘Dhai Akhar Prem’ cultural journey, commenced on September 28, marking the birth anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, dedicated to fostering equality and brotherhood among all humans and sacrificed his life at a young age for these ideals. The journey aims to facilitate discussions on the dimensions of his vision.
After the play, all the participants, on foot, reached the statue of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Among the travellers offering floral tributes were Prasanna, National President of IPTA; Rakesh, Executive President; Anil Hegde, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council; Vijay Pratap, Coordinator of Bapu’s People’s Organization; Tanveer Alam; Sukhdev Singh Sirsa, National General Secretary of Progressive Writers’ Association; Nathmal Sharma, President of Chattisgarh’s Progressive Writers’ Association; Jeevan Singh Manvi, president of Rajasthan’s Progressive Writers’ Association; Veda Rakesh, theatre director; Shailendra Kumar, Ipta’s national secretary; Arpita Srivastava & Varsha Anand, joint secretary; Shahid Kamal, General Secretary of Rashtriya Seva Dal; Avdhesh Kumar; Kailash Meena National Coordinator of Jan Andolan; Harishankar Goyal of Alwar and Professor Shambhu Gupta. Everyone expressed their views. The team of Sawai Madhopur IPTA sang the folk song. Little child Arth Aggarwal recited couplets of Kabir.
On this occasion, Sarvesh Jain, the Rajasthan coordinator of the ‘Dhai Akhar Prem’ cultural journey; On this occasion, Rajasthan coordinator of Dhai Akhar Prem Padyatra Sarvesh Jain, Raisa, Vice President of AIDWA; Chagaram Meena, District Vice President of Janwadi Writers Association; Ghanshyam Sharma; Virendra Krantikari, President of Bharat Parivar; Sarita Bharat, Mahendra Singh, IPTA District President; Pradeep Mathur; Devendra Sharma; Mohan Lal Gupta; Anup Dayma from MMSVS; Ramcharan Rag from Srijak Sansthan; Jogendra Singh Kochhar of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Celebration Committee; Pramod Malik; Professor Ramesh Bairwa; Professor Meenesh Jain; Arth Agarwal and Gyan Chand Bagdi, Additional Secretary of Progressive Writers Association Delhi were present. Dr. Bharat Meena conducted the program. The unique aspect of the event was the presence of a large number of children and their enthusiasm was evident to all.
September 29, 2023, Friday:
On the second day of the ‘Dhai Akhar Prem’ in Rajasthan, the journey began at Moti Doongri, where the mausoleum of Saiyad Baba and the Hanuman Temple stand together. Little IPTA, Peepard’s children presented the play ‘Sadbhavana’. Jeevan Singh Manvi provided information about Moti Doongri. After leaving Moti Doongri, the participants paid their respects to the Amar Shahid Chandra Shekhar Azad at Nehru Garden. From there, they continued their journey to Vivekananda Smarak, Bhagat Singh Circle, Ambedkar Circle, Tula Rao Circle, Hasan Khan Mevati Panorama, ultimately reaching Bharthari Panorama, Dholi Doob, and Lal Das Temple.
After lunch at Lal Das Temple, the Little IPTA Peepard presented the play ‘Mahangai ki Mar’ (Effects of Inflation). The team led by Nisar Ali from Chhattisgarh performed a dance-drama, spreading the message of love and harmony. The message of patriotism was conveyed by Jagdish Sharma and his team through sharing the importance of dialogue between Laldas and Surdas while Rajhans Sharma emphasised on it through Lala Lajpat Rai. Vice President of AIDWA, Kajal presented a folk dance. Historian Harishankar Goyal Shared detailed information about Lal Das.
In a gathering organized before, Prasanna, National President of IPTA, called on social activists and artists to engage in organized struggle. Sukhdev Singh Sirsa, National General Secretary of Progressive Writers’ Association, highlighted the essence of love in Punjab’s culture by the poetry of Bulle Shah. Professor Shambhu Gupta supported the use of modern means and techniques in contemporary movements. Veerendra Krantikari, National President of Bharat Parivar, outlined the plan for various stages of the journey. Gyanchand Bagdi, Secretary of the Progressive Writers’ Association Delhi, recited Ghazals.
The Life Saver team led by Mulchand Jangid managed the arrangements and meals for the Dholi Dub stage and meals .
The journey left from Laldas Mandir to Thekra village after at 5 pm. Program was organized at Government Secondary School by Tara Chand, village head, here Nisar Ali and his companions presented drama centred around the ‘Ghamcha’. Folk song ‘Rahon Par Nilam Hamari Bhukh Nahin Ho Payegi’ was sung. Suman Saurabh, a member of Bihar IPTA and currently associated with Bharat Parivar and ABP News Madhubani, sang the song ‘We shall overcome’ (Ham Honge Kaamyaab). Peepard IPTA presented the play ‘Machine’. The Sarpanch of Thekda village was presented a Ghamcha by Prasanna.
During the journey, Veda Prakash, Theatrical Director; Shailendra Kumar, National Secretary of IPTA; United Secretary, Arpita Shrivastava & Varsha Anand; Avdhesh Kumar; Jeevan Singh Manvi, President of Janwadi Lekhak Sangh Rajasthan; Harishankar Goyal, Social Activist; Ramcharan Rag, Srijak Institution; Bharat Meena, Secretary of JLS Alwar; Raeesa, Vice President of AIDWA; Sarita Bharat, Bharat Parivar; Mahendra Singh, District President of IPTA; Pradeep Mathur; Devendra Sharma; Mohan Lal Gupta; Kanti Jain; Sandeep Sharma; Minesh Jain and Kishan Kharaliya were present.
Jeevan Singh Manvi, President of Janwadi Lekhak Sangh Rajasthan, provided commentary on the historical and cultural significance of the locations visited on September 28 and 29 in Alwar –
Some cultural workers of the country, especially IPTA, have started a cultural journey titled ‘Dhai Akhar Prem’ in different areas of the country as a cultural campaign. He shared that the Journey initiated on September 28, the birth anniversary of the martyr Bhagat Singh from Alwar, the east region of Rajasthan. He pointed out that Alwar has a rich cultural heritage that goes back not just today but more than five centuries and it flourished in the medieval period. The Bhakti movement, gave it both breadth and depth, due to which a saint like Laldas was born in a Mev family, who ran a humanity-oriented religion different from the Hindu-Muslim religions
Even in modern times, it developed as a democratic cultural tradition but in recent years, divisive forces have been trying to divide the country on religious lines. This kind of hatred-based politics can be eliminated only by Gandhian culture of harmony. The journey began in the morning at 7:00 AM from Moti Doongri, where local cultural groups, including Janwadi Mahila Samiti, Janwadi Lekhak Sangh, Srijak Institution, Bharat Parivar, and others from Alwar IPTA, are collaborating.
Today this journey reached Laldas Temple at Dhauli doob village passing through Hasan Khan Mevati Panorama, and Rajrishi Bhartrihari Panorama and paying tribute by offering garlands to the statues at Shaheed Chandra Shekhar, Vivekananda, Ambedkar Chowk & Raw Tularaam. Here artists from Chhattisgarh presented a play. The yatra is being led by Shri Prasanna, National IPTA President and resident of Karnataka. The enthusiastic participation of women and child artists from Peepad town of Jodhpur is noteworthy. The artists from Jodhpur and Jaipur are also supporting Alwar IPTA. The coordination and management of this journey in Alwar is handled by Dr. Sarvesh Jain, Secretary of Alwar IPTA, Raeesa from Janwadi Mahila Samiti, and Dr. Bharat Meena, Secretary of JLS Unit in Alwar. This three-day journey includes discussions on harmony and cultural programs in surrounding villages and will return to Alwar on October 2, 2023.
The ’Dhai Akhar Prem’ journey under the leadership of President Prasanna concluded with great enthusiasm on Oct 2nd passing through many historical villages in and around Alwar. It is heartening to note that it saw the participation of artists and social activists from outside Alwar every day. Also, the essential arrangements were made with the whole-hearted cooperation of local villagers which was a highlight of the journey in Rajasthan. Such dynamic mass cultural campaigns serve to reveal a hidden truth that people want to live in love and harmony.
September 30th, 2023: Saturday
On the night of September 29, 2023, the participants rested in the village of Thekda, and on the morning of September 30, a morning march was conducted along with the village head Tarachand and senior citizens of the village. After that, all the pedestrians were provided with breakfast, and they took leave from the village raising slogans of brotherhood and peace.
The next step of the third day was Charandas’s tomb. Leaving the Thekda village in the morning, travellers reached Charandas temple of Dehra village. Dehra village is the birthplace of Sant Charandas, and a temple has been built there. Charandas had done significant work in establishing harmony in society. Recently, on September 18, a fair was organized to celebrate his 321st birth anniversary. The Sarpanch of Dehera village, Bhim Singh Jonawal, welcomed the procession. After breakfast, in the first session, there was a discussion with the senior citizens of the village about the objectives of the ‘Dhai Aakhar Prem’ journey. Everyone emphasized that in today’s world, love and brotherhood are essential and necessary weapons for social harmony. Afterward, a dialogue was held with a group of nearly 30 women working in the NREGA at a temple. They recited three hymns (bhajans) of Charandas and explained their meaning. Then, a folk dance was performed and in that Arpita from IPTA also participated. These songs were filled with themes of people’s devotion and dedication to social welfare. Nisar Ali & his companions from Chhattisgarh sang ‘Guru Ke Bana’ and then presented the gender-based song ‘Paapi Ho Gaye Naina Tere’(Your Eyes Have Sinned).
Around 4 o’clock in the evening, the pedestrians reached the village of Amritbas (Ruundashahpur), located about 6 kilometers away. This village primarily consists of people from the Scheduled Caste (Jatav) and is surrounded by the Aravalli hills. The entire Alwar district is situated amidst the Aravalli hills. Participants of all ages, including children, youth, adults, and elderly, were present among the audience. Virendra Krantikari from Bharat Parivar gave brief introduction of ‘Dhai Aakhar Prem’. A play ‘Sadbhavana’(harmony) was presented by the little IPTA Peepad unit(Jodhpur) under under the direction of Praveen Sharma and Ravindra Kumar. Additionally, under the guidance of Nisar Ali from the Nacha-Gammat Theater Group of Chhattisgarh, Dev Narayan Sahu, Gangaram Sahu, and Jaganuram presented short drama and songs, spreading the message of harmony and brotherhood. Local girls from the village also performed two Rajasthani folk dances. The travellers spent the night in Amritbas village.
At the end of the program, an incident occurred where a man in the audience asked Prasanna about her caste. When Prasanna tried to engage in a conversation, he began to argue and was unwilling to listen. When Prasanna’s words went unheard, he sat down on a fast right there and refrained from eating. However, everyone else in the village explained to the travellers that there are people like him in every village and that they all should all eat together. All the travellers then ate food made by the villagers with great love.
Apart from IPTA colleagues, Bharat Parivar District President, Jassu Foji; Zainab Siddiqui; Fatima Sheikh from Lucknow and Suman Saurabh from Patna joined in the third day’s march. Kishan Kherliya, Harshita Vikas Kapoor, Praveen Sharma, Shafi Mohammad and other friends from Rajasthan were also present.
October 1st, 2023: Sunday
At 6.15 in the morning, the travellers reached the Chuhadsiddh Tomb-Temple located in the hills near Rundashahpur. The Baba of Chuhad Siddh Mazar-Temple, who used to graze goats, was a revered figure who was respected by people of all communities. He preached love and harmony among all those who worked hard. People of all religions and communities are his followers. Inside the Tomb-Temple, Nisar Ali from Chhattisgarh recited the Poem ‘Rotiyan’ of Nazir Akbarabadi. While engaging with the villagers, Prasanna(President IPTA) advised that understanding self-sufficiency and love for Khadi is essential. To adopt love and brotherhood, he advised to imbibe the thoughts of Kabir, Raidas and Meera.
After having breakfast, they descended from the hills, walked through fields and rugged terrains, and after about 4 hours reached Gram Panchayat Hajipur via Mangalbas village, where arrangements of food, rest and having discussions with villagers were done at a government school. Village head Tara Chand, Bhumiram Gurjar, Om Prakash (a member of the district council), social worker Anoop Daima, and teacher Shivaram facilitated the Rajasthan tradition of welcoming the guests by presenting them with Safa(a Rajasthani turban).
Village head Tara Chand, Om Prakash and social worker Anoop Daima shared about the activities going on in and around the village along with the story of villagers standing together for civil rights, where the members of Hajipur Gram Panchayat, along with the Sarpanch united the villagers against the fence being erected by the Forest Department to stop the animals from grazing.
In the afternoon, the village head also had lunch with the travellers. The second session of the day focused on the experiences of the pedestrians related to ‘Dhaai Akhar Prem’ journey and it was documented in the form of videos. During this, child artists from Peepad included Sonu, Sukhdev, Jaikishan, Sumit, Rudra, Lalit, Yuvraj, Ramkiran, and Rajveer along with Gunjan aka Boond and Sankalp were present. Other travellers also shared their experiences and thoughts.
In between, there was a conversation with several women from nomadic tribe in the Banjara town of Bala Dehra. Sarvesh Jain and Arpita were told by two sister in laws named Lado & Jai that they have demanded roads and water. All the documents are submitted. On the other hand, Prasanna, while talking to approximately ninety-nine year old (approximate age because he would have been 15-16 years old at the time of partition of India) was told about the Banjara tribe, this is a rehabilitation center for the nomadic Banjara caste. They used to roam around with sheep but have now settled here. The jewellery worn by women is very unique, it is made of aluminium, which is made by the women themselves.
At 5 pm, the pedestrians arrived at the Nirvan Van Foundation, where they were welcomed by Bodhisattva Nirvana Ji. This foundation works for education among the Nat and Kanjar communities. They run alternative schools on their premises, offering education from the first to the eighth standard. Here, Bodhisattva Nirvan Ji expressed his belief that the ‘Dhai Aakhar Prem’ journey would be successful in promoting mutual harmony and love in the country. He appreciated this initiative as a commendable effort.He stated that enlightened beings like Gautam Buddha and Kabir Das have been revolutionary saints who brought the society out of inertia and gave the message of non-violence, love and harmony. He encouraged the youth to incorporate their teachings into their lives. During the journey, Nisar Ali from Chhattisgarh taught many songs like ‘Le Mashale Chal Pade Hain Log Mere Gaon Ke’ to the children participating in the journey.
Cultural performances took place here from 6 pm onwards, in which the skit ‘Gamcha Bechaiya’ was presented by Nisar Ali, Gangaram, Jagnoram and Devnarayan Sahu. Suman Saurabh from Madhubani presented a self-written solo drama ‘Kisan ki Vyatha’(agony of farmers). Anita Pant from Uttarakhand presented a folk dance, and Geet Sagar performed a song. These three are associated with Bharat Parivar and came to participate in ‘Dhai Aakhar Prem’. Little IPTA Peepad Unit’s child artists presented the play ‘Sadbhavana’(harmony). The last performance of day was from Tilakram and group who sang Kabir’s songs.
On the fourth day of the journey, Sarvesh Jain, Rajasthan journey’s coordinator; Prasanna, National President of IPTA; Arpita, Joint Secretary IPTA; Sanjay Vidrohi, the General Secretary of Rajasthan IPTA; Mahendra Singh, President of IPTA Alwar; Virendra Krantikari, President of Bharat Parivar; Jainab Siddiqui from Lucknow; Anita Pant from Uttarakhand; Suman Saurabh from Bihar; Nisar Ali from Chhattisgarh; Dev Narayan Sahu; Gangaram Sahu; Jaganuram; Raeesa, Vice President of AIDWA Rajasthan; Manju Meena, the Treasurer of AIDWA Alwar; Bharat Meena, the Secretary of Janwadi Lekhak Sangh(JLS) Alwar; Sarita Bharat; Sushila Rani; Rahul Jassu Fauji; Kishan Lal Khairaliya; Sonu, Sukhdev, Jaikishan, Sumit, Rudra, Lalit, Yuvaraj, Ramkiran and Rajveer from Little IPTA Peepad Unit along with Gunjan aka Boond, and Sankalp, were present.
October 2nd, 2023: Monday
On the fifth and final day, the journey commenced at 7 AM from Nirvana Foundation. From there, the pedestrians determined their path, walking a distance of 3 kilometers, and reached to the 1st stop at Matsya Mevat Education and Development Institute in Ruddh Mach Village. This institute is the workplace of Gandhian companions Veerendra Vidrohi and Ved Didi. They served as a focal point for the civil rights and socio-development causes of the citizens of Alwar. This institute is developed as a center for public development and dialogue. Although both are no more but their work is carried forward by Anoop Dayama, Veerendra Krantikari, and other associates.
In commemoration of the completion of 100 years of Gandhi Jayanti and the Vaikom Satyagraha, the participants paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi at the institute. They also offered their tributes to Ved Didi and Veerendra Vidrohi. During the ceremony, Prasanna emphasized that Gandhi Ji was not solely involved in political work but was also engaged in creative activities, highlighting the significance of this connection. Anoop Kumar Dayama also shared his thoughts. Following mutual discussions and a shared meal, the journey continued towards the next destination.
Following this, the journey proceeded from Rudh Math Village and reached the village of Ravan Devra, situated approximately 2.5 kilometers away. Here, one can find the remnants of Jain temples that can be observed at the Ravan Devda Temple located in Alwar’s Birbal Mohalla. Under a large banyan tree, Alwar’s Ramcharan Rag sang a composition based on ‘Dhai Aakhar Prem. A poem was also recited by Pradeep Mathur. Rakesh, a versatile artist from Rudh Shahpur Village, mesmerized everyone with his artistry. The day we met, he was dressed as Hanuman. Ramcharan Rag sang ghazals and songs here. He serves as the Secretary of the Srijak Sansthan, which has been a supporting organization for the ‘Dhai Aakhar Prem’ journey. Senior associate Pradeep Mathur serves as the Joint Secretary of IPTA Rajasthan and is also the Secretary of Literature and Fine Arts in Alwar. Praveen Parimal, who came from Peepad, presented a ghazal.
Subsequently, the journey progressed from here, reaching Jyotiba Phule Circle from Ghodapher crossing passing through Pratapbandh. Here, they paid floral tribute to Jyotiba Phule. From there, the journey continued along Manu Marg, manni ka bad and reached Sainik Vishramgrah in front of Company Bagh. Here, food arrangements were made by the Vision Institute. Himanshu and Chintu Gujjar from the Vision Institute served meals to everyone. Here, a play was presented by the Chhattisgarh team and another play ‘Sadbhavana’ was presented by the Peepad (Jodhpur) team. The entire journey participants were welcomed with ‘Gamcha’(scarves) by Nagendra Jain, IPTA’s Executive President; Sarvesh Jain, the Coordinator of Rajasthan journey; Veerendra Krantikari; Bharatlal Meena; Neelabh Pandit; Changaram Meena; Harishankar Goyal and Professor Shambhu Gupta.
Upon reaching Nagar Nigam, the concluding stage of the ‘Dhai Aakhar Prem’ cultural journey, a floral tribute was offered to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, marking the end of the journey in Rajasthan.
In Rajasthan, the organizers and supporting organizations of the pedestrian journey included the Rajasthan IPTA, AIDWA, Bharat Parivar, Janwadi lekhak Sangh(JLS), Srijak Sansthan, Life Saver Team, Vision Foundation, AITUC, Sadbhav Manch, CITU, SFI, and M.M.S.V.S.
View: Rajasthan Jatha Photo Gallery
(This report is a compilation of reports by Arpita Srivastava, Sarvesh Jain, Sanjay Vidrohi, and Jeevan Singh Manvi.)
Compilation: Usha Athaley | Translation: Kritika Sharma