The multi-arts event, Right To Dissent, brings together artists, intellectuals and filmmakers to raise a voice against government atrocities. Binayak Sen will be part of the panel discussion scheduled on the last day of the event
The multi-arts event, Right To Dissent, brings together artists, intellectuals and filmmakers to raise a voice against government atrocities. Binayak Sen will be part of the panel discussion scheduled on the last day of the event
"There are hundreds of activists who are languishing in jails, but we do not know about them because they are nameless and faceless. Dr Binayak Sen is one amongu00a0 numerous political activists grossly wronged by the system," says Sanober Keshwar, a member of the Committee for the Release of Binayak Sen. So as to turn the spotlight on the situation, artist Tushar Joag got in touch with the committee, as well as Mohile Parikh Center to form the Right To Dissent, an event that questions undemocratic practices and laws enforced by the
government.
Binayak Sen's picture taken by Anand Patwardhan in 1986
The event, which started yesterday, will include art exhibitions, video installations, film screenings and a panel discussion onu00a0 the last day: May 30. Joag, the convener of the event, felt the need to address the issue of malpractices by the government. "I wanted to start a debate on the law of sedition, under which Dr Binayak Sen was found guilty. What happened with him was a gross miscarriage of justice," says Joag, who has previously been involved with the Narmada Bachao Andolan for a decade. Art works on display will include wall works, installations, performance and site- specific art works aimed at encouraging solidarity and dialogue to exercise the right to dissent against unconstitutional forms of repression. 
A still from Prisoners of Conscience
Artists who have contributed to the event include Anju Dodiya, Atul Dodiya, Bose Krishnamachari, Reena Kallat, Shilpa Gupta, Sharmila Samant and Tushar Joag. Organisations such as Majlis and Desire Machine have also contributed to the event. Films which will be screened on May 27 are Minnie Vaid's A Doctor to Defend: The Binayak Sen Story, as well as Anand Patwardhan's Prisoners of Conscience.
The highlight of the event is the panel discussion on May 30 in which Dr Binayak Sen will participate. Other speakers include Ilina Sen, Justice PB Sawant and advocate Mihir Desai. "It is an attempt to keep such issues alive, and we hope this serves as an effective platform," says Joag. Until laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Chattisgarh Public Security Act, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) still exist, Joag and Keshwar hope that such events are regularly held to sensitise people and put an end to unconstitutional government practices and the destruction of life and property in the name of development.
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Till May 30 At Art Exhibition at Clark House, 8, Nathalal Parekh House, opposite Regal Cinema, Colaba. Film screenings and panel discussion will be held at MC Ghia Hall, K Dubhash Marg, Kala Ghoda. Call 22838380 / 22881080
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