Witness Mumbai-based art troupes raise awareness about social issues on stage

At one point during the antiCAA NRC protests in Mumbairsquos Nagpada in 2020 uniformed policemen stopped Dhammarakshit Randive and his cultural collective Yalgaar Sanskrutik Manch YSM in their tracks lsquoNo dafs handheld drums allowedrsquo was the diktat ldquoThat day we thumped beats on our own bodies some of us tried to mimic the beats with our mouths beatboxing The protest songs never stoppedrdquo he recalls Six years from this tryst the group will recreate the atmosphere at a Lower Parel venue for Mumbaikars willing to lend an earA moment from a previous edition of Amhi Kon PICS COURTESYAKLESH SUTAR YSMAmhi Kon a showcase of protest poetry socially aware hiphop and folk traditions will pan the spotlight onto pressing matters mdash deforestation castebased violence class divide tribal rights Led by citybased collective Swadesi Movement recognised for spearheading the cause of deforestation and tribal displacement in Aarey Forest through their song The Warli Revolt in 2019 the showcase is a ldquobridge between the urban Mumbaikar and the voices of people who have a different culture and lived experiences to sharerdquo says rapper Aklesh Sutar of Swadesi MovementLoud and clearOn stage this weekend will be members of Swadesi Movement YSM and Tapporirsquos Paradise a collective of rappers bboys graffiti artists and DJs from across the city Attendees can also expect to hear two unreleased tracks from Swadesirsquos repertoire Luxury a reminder for Mumbaikars that the most prized luxury is the green cover that is slowly diminishing and Waqt a reflection on the relentless march of timeA bboying act from hiphop crew Tapporirsquos Paradise PIC COURTESYGaurav Trivedi TAPPORIsPARADISE on InstagramThe YSM troupe will present the folk tradition of Ambedkarite jalsa shahiri a celebration of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkarrsquos teachings through the popular folk music of Maharashtra Wersquore told that the group is now experimenting to include the electric guitar and give the folk tradition a rock twist ldquoDr Babasaheb Ambedkar was clear in his belief that social and cultural reform will precede economic and political reform Our songs also draw inspiration from the poems of late Namdeo Dhasal who led the Dalit Panther movement from the chawls of this cityrdquo Randive revealsPersonal political and poignantNamdeo Dhasal PIC COURTESYNAMDEO DHASAL FOUNDATION right Narendra Dabholkar PIC COURTESYWIKIMEDIA COMMONSKeeping the fire of cultural revolt burning is equally personal for the activist Growing up in Satara district Randive crossed paths with Devdatta Dabholkar who would go on to introduce the young activist to his brother and late social activist and rationalist Narendra Dabholkar ldquoI worked closely with rationalists like the Dabholkars and Govind Pansare who was killed in 2015 The truth that the Indian Constitution is paramount is ingrained deep in my mind Wherever the Constitution is under threat we YSM will be ready to voice its dissentrdquo he saysAklesh SutarWill there be takers for these strong words at the Lower Parel venue that is known for its eclectic gigs and latenight parties that trickle into the wee hoursldquoIt might make some Mumbaikars uncomfortable the great part is thatrsquos exactly what we want Then again you canrsquot really blame the Mumbaikar mdash after an unforgiving workday and long commutes he wants something easy on the senses Perhaps that is why Mumbai loves to let loose and dancerdquo he says With the dafs in hand this time wersquore sure theyrsquoll make you dance alrightON January 4 9 pmAT antiSocial Mathuradas Mill Compound Lower ParelLOG ON TO skillboxescomENTRY Rs 499