Peaceful Silent Protest

‘Thank you for participating’. I must have had dozens of people come up to me expressing this sentiment.

Little had I realised that on my first visit to Pune, India, for six years since having had breast cancer surgery here in 2005 I would be actively participating in my first ever demonstration.

I had arrived the night before and had planned to have lunch with Rotarian colleagues who had called to postpone our meeting until the evening on account of the demonstration (a Morcha) that was to take place in the city that day. There was widespread news of the chaos that would ensue with 18 roads closed and 7,000 police deployed to set up road blocks. ‘This is something I just have to see.’ I told my hosts who thought I was quite mad. I am not one given to demonstrating and had fully planned to pop along to have a quick look and make my exit.

When I discovered the reasons for the demonstration I decided that I would join them to show my support and four hours later found myself caught up in one of the most profound experiences of my life.

Around 1.2 million people of the Maratha caste were expected to gather and march in silent protest against the ‘reservation’ system imposed by the government 60 years ago. Intended to rectify the imbalance in social mobility it has meant that those of the Maratha caste feel that they are at an unfair disadvantage when pitching for jobs or educational placements where others of a lower caste are given preference regardless of experience or achievement. There was also concern about the recent rape and murder of a young girl in Kopardi that had received international publicity. The crowd, made up of all age groups and all professions, were intending to present a list of their demands to the government.

I usually stay well clear of crowded places so this was a big decision for me, to be surrounded by such a throng of people. I found it really emotional, and may well have been the only westerner there. The whole thing was incredibly well organised by team leaders who directed everybody by blowing whistles, obtaining immediate and total obedience, and with loud speakers reminding everyone that this was a peaceful process. Free water and snacks were provided and I did not see one piece of litter anywhere, which in itself is nothing short of amazing.

To be there to witness the solidarity and discipline of the crowds, was truly awesome. Almost complete silence amongst more than 1 million people was unbelievable.

The police, although much in evidence, had no helmets, no guns and no riot shields. News reports have stated that there was not one arrest or untoward incident. I think we have a lot to learn from the peaceful way in which this demonstration took place. This event is something that will stay in my memory forever.