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Procession marks second day of World Social Forum
One of the most striking features of the WSF on Saturday was the procession that most groups were indulging in to attract attention.
On the second day of the World Social Forum (WSF), there were more drumbeats accompanied by people who had faith that another world is possible.
One of the most striking features of the WSF on Saturday was the procession that most groups were indulging in to attract attention.
With drumbeats, mikes and masks, a procession of 200 to 300 people were convincing people how their cause was right. There were dances, slogans and street plays to accompany them.
A delegate from Chitrakoot, leading a team of 300 people said: "Our procession is to raise the issues of 'jal, jameen and jungle' (water, land and forest)." When asked what it meant, he said: "Prime Minister you come to the jungles and we will take care of Parliament. We are demanding socialism," he adds.
Anne from France, who also took part in a procession conducted by Yuva Jumur, Jamshedpur said: "I am in a group of 1,300 people wherein 24 are foreigners."
While taking part in the dance, she said: "I am glad to be here. It's a dance of celebration and I am enjoying every bit of it."
A delegate from Jharkhand Organisation of Human Rights (JOHR) said: "JOHR takes up the fight against witch-hunting in Jharkhand. Our dance suggests that men and women are equal."
Mahendra, a delegate from Bundelkhad, pointed out that their street play shows how a landlord could misuse an illiterate Panchayat head. "We need to educate people about our problems and street plays are the best way to make them understand," he said.
But there were others who were using the WSF platform to showcase their culture as well. "It is a platform to show our culture and festivals," said a delegate from Assam.
"The place is beaming with people and processions. I don't think any other city in India could have taken so many people except Mumbai," said another delegate.
