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Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Faiz's ‘Hum dekhenge' is not about country or religion. It is anti-oppression
In the Subcontinent, Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz's uncompromising 1979 poem Hum dekhenge ('We shall see') has mostly travelled with ease. This famed protest song, written against General Ziaul Haq's conservative rule, has outlived regimes, resurfacing in moments of protest across both sides of the border. But in recent years, it seems to be increasingly caught in the crosshairs of cross-border hostilities. Last week, Pushpa Sathidar, wife of actor and Dalit rights activist Vira Sathidar (who was seen as Narayan Kamble in Chaitanya Tamhane's National Award-winning film, Court) and two others, were booked under Section 152 of the BNS, for 'endangering the sovereignty and integrity of the nation', Section 196 for promoting enmity between groups and Section 353 for statements conducing to public mischief, after she organised a memorial for her husband in Nagpur. It is at this memorial that the members of Samata Kala Manch — an Ambedkarite cultural outfit that often speaks of class, caste and Brahminical hegemony — sang the Faiz poem. In the FIR, right-wing activist Dattatraya Shirke alleged that the poem by a Pakistani poet was sung at a time when the country valiantly fought Pakistani forces in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. He accused the organisers of using provocative language that could incite unrest. In this moment, I wonder about Faiz, the humanist, the star of Progressive Writers' Movement in undivided India, who opposed communalism, who condemned terrorism, whose writing grieved the scars of violence and lauded the resilience of the downtrodden, who wrote Hum dekhenge against the atrocities of his own government. In 2020, IIT Kanpur formed a panel to look into the recitation of the poem on their campus by some students. The committee had concluded that the poem was 'unsuitable to the time and place' and recommended 'counselling' for those involved. Faiz's work was also removed from school textbooks in 2022. One is left wondering whether all of this stems from a lack of understanding or simply an unwillingness to engage with a poet whose work is accessible, deeply documented and who spoke not for Pakistan or India but for a better, more inclusive world. Days after Partition was announced, when the streets on both sides of the border were rife with violence, a deeply anguished Faiz wrote, 'Yeh daagh daagh ujala, yeh shab gazidaa seher/ Woh intezaar tha jiska, yeh woh seher toh nahin' (This smudged first light, this daybreak battered by night/ This dawn that we all ached for, this is not the one) [Subh-e-Azadi (Dawn of Freedom)]. Faiz's poetry, its universality and its constant endeavour to uphold human dignity are what make it significant. Written in Beirut, where Faiz was living in a self-imposed exile, after his blunt political views were condemned for being 'anti-Pakistan', Hum dekhenge quickly became a symbol of dissent, first in Pakistan and then in the Subcontinent. It also found significance in ghazal singer Iqbal Bano's oeuvre, when she sang it in 1986 at Lahore Arts Council's Alhamra auditorium, a year after Faiz's death, clad in a black sari — an act of rebellion at a time when saris were banned at public venues and on television. She sang it with vigour, pausing often as the exhilarated thousands who'd gathered in and outside the hall chanted Inquilab zindabad. This rendition, in one of the darkest periods of Pakistan's history, took the song to the common man. It was surreptitiously recorded by a technician. The recording was banned; so was Bano from singing in public. They thought the poem was 'anti-Muslim'. In India, the poem has often been called 'anti-Hindu'. Which is it really? If one really pays attention, it's not hard to see that it is anti-oppression. The lines that bothered Pakistan then and bother India now, including in the current FIR are as follows: 'Jab arz-e-Khuda ke kaabe se, sab butt uthwaye jaayenge/ Hum ahl-e-safa mardood-e-haram, masnad pe bithaaye jaayenge / Sab taaj uchhale jaayenge, sab takht giraaye jaayenge (From the abode of God, when the icons of falsehood will be removed/ When we, the faithful, who have been barred from sacred places, will be seated on high pedestal/ When crowns will be tossed, when thrones will be brought down)'. Shirke has claimed that the thrones being brought down constitute a direct threat to the government. And yet, songs can't overturn governments; they can only gnaw at the illusion that power lasts forever. In 1989, almost a year after Ziaul Haq's death in an aircrash and the return of democracy to Pakistan, Bano performed at Delhi's Siri Fort, with the hall brimming with ghazal enthusiasts who had one demand from her — Hum dekhenge. If convicted, the punishment for Pushpa and the others can be imprisonment and a fine. That is for the courts to decide. But Hum dekhenge has and should endure — as a reminder of the courage art is capable of. To quote Faiz, 'Bol ke lab azaad hain tere/ Bol ki zubaan ab tak teri hai… Bol ki sach zinda hai ab tak/ Bol jo kuch kehna hai keh le' (Speak, for your lips are yet free/ Speak, for your tongue is still your own/ Speak, the truth is still alive/ Speak: say what you have to say).
The Print
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Faiz's ‘Hum Dekhenge' recited at Vira Sathidar memorial event, wife Pushpa & 2 others booked
The event, held last week in memory of human rights activist Vira Sathidar, featured the recitation of 'Hum Dekhenge', a celebrated Urdu nazm that Faiz wrote in 1979 as a critique of General Zia-ul-Haq's authoritarian rule in Pakistan. The FIR was lodged on the basis of a complaint by Nagpur resident Dattatray Shirke that they recited a Pakistani poet's words 'at a time when the country valiantly fought Pakistani forces' after the Pahalgam terror attack. Mumbai: The Nagpur Police has booked social activist Pushpa Sathidar over the recital of Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poetry at a commemorative event she organised in the city for her husband, actor Vira Sathidar. Shirke's complaint, which ThePrint has seen, said, 'At a time when the country valiantly fought Pakistani forces, the radical left in Nagpur were busy singing Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz's poem. Through the poem it is said that we have a fascist government and 'takht hilane ki jarurat hai' (there is a need to shake up the throne), meaning the government should be changed,' the complainant said. The police have registered an FIR against Pushpa Sathidar and two others. According to the FIR copy, which also ThePrint has accessed, the complainant referred to a news report in which a speaker at the event is quoted as saying, 'Due to this song, the powers were shaken. Similarly, even in our country, it's time to shake the throne. We are going through fascist times. These times are snatching our freedom of expression.' Pushpa Sathidar has been booked under sections 152 (act that excites secession, armed rebellion, or subversive activities, or encourages separatist feelings) 196 (promoting enmity or disharmony) 353 (public mischief) and others of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. 'We received the complaint along with what sections to be included and we did so. The further investigation is going on and we will analyse whether the sections are necessary or need amending, and (based on that we) would take a further call,' inspector Rakhi Gedam of the Sitabardi police station told ThePrint. ThePrint reached Pushpa Sathidar's family lawyer Nihalsingh Rathod, but he refused to comment. The programme was organised 13 May by the Vira Sathidar Smriti Samanway Samiti in association with the Samata Kala Manch—a Mumbai-based Ambedkarite cultural collective advocating resistance through art. Vira Sathidar, a social activist, accomplished actor, writer and political thinker, died during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. Pushpa Sathidar is one of the organisers of the annual event. The Samata Kala Manch performed Faiz's poem at the event. The poem 'Hum Dekhenge' was written in 1979 by Faiz as a critique of General Zia-ul-Haq's authoritarian rule in Pakistan. The poem is used as an anthem of resistance and hope in the subcontinent. In the complaint filed 16 May, three days after the programme, Shirke alleged the performance and the accompanying speeches were inflammatory in nature. 'Samata Kala Manch is an extremist and controversial group. They even have a background of Naxalism. Just at a time when the entire country is standing behind the armed forces and opposing the terrorist attack by Pakistan in Pahalgam, here the Left extremist organisation Samata Kala Manch performed the poem written by Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz,' Shirke says in his complaint. 'Naxalite organisations such as these through such events spread the thought of overthrowing democratically elected governments. So, the Samata Kala Manch at an event organized to remember Vira Sathidar sang the poem by a Pakistani poet and spread the provocative thought to dethrone the government',' he added further. So the event threatens the unity of the country and divide the society, the complaint further said. Gedam said that the police are investigating the matter and have started taking statements of Sathidar and others. No arrests have been made so far. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: There was more to Vira Sathidar than 'Court'. He fought caste with theatre for 40 years
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Marathi actor's wife, two others face charges after recitation of Faiz Ahmed Faiz's ‘Hum Dekhenge'
Pushpa Sathidar, the wife of late actor and Dalit rights activist Veera Sathidar, is among three people who reportedly face charges after an attendee recited poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz's 'Hum Dekhenge' poem at a memorial event in Maharashtra's Nagpur. During a memorial programme for Veera Sathidar on May 13, a member of the Samata Kala Manch, recited verses by renowned Pakistani poet Faiz, including lines such as - 'Hum Ahl-e-Safa, Mardrid-e-Haram, Masnad Pe Bithae Jayenge, Sab Taj Uchhale Jayenge, Sab Takht Giraye Jayenge, Hum Dekhenge' - which call for resistance against authoritarianism, according to PTI news agency. Also Read: Who is Nitasha Kaul, Indian-origin professor to lose OCI status for 'anti-India' activity? The video went viral on social media and was aired on Marathi news channels as well. According to a complainant Dattatraya Shirke cited by PTI, the remarks were inflammatory and disturbed communal harmony. An FIR was filed against the organisers and the person who recited the poem on basis of the complaint lodged by Dattatraya Shirke. Also Read: Pune engg student held for 'supporting Pak' on social media The speaker allegedly said during the recitation, 'Jo song ke medium se ye satta hila thi, usi tarah se hamare desh mein bhi takht hilane ki pratha hai. Aaj hum jis daur mein ji rahe hain, ye daur fasciswad ka hai. Ye daur tanasahi ka hai'. An FIR was registered at the Sitabuldi police station against Pushpa Sathidar and two others associated with the memorial programme under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 152 (endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India), 196 (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion), 353 (statements conducing to public mischief) and 3 (5), which concerns common intention. Also Read: NIA, IB grill arrested YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, focus on Pak, China visits According to Shirke, the speech and recitation of the poem, equated India's government with fascist regimes and also called for political upheaval. The police have launched a probe into the event, collecting digital video evidence of the event and recording statements of those who had attended the memorial programme. "We are examining all available footage, witness testimonies and documents. The process of recording statements is crucial to determining individual roles and verifying the allegations," an officer told PTI. Police said they were also looking into the activities and background of the Samata Kala Manch, whose head, Sudhir Dhawale, is currently out on bail in connection with another case related to alleged inflammatory speeches made during the Elgar Parishad event in Pune in 2017.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Pushpa, wife of late actor Veera Sathidar, booked over alleged ‘inflammatory' remarks at memorial event in Nagpur
The Maharashtra Police have booked social activist Pushpa Veera Sathidar, wife of the late actor and activist Veera Sathidar, and two others for alleged 'inflammatory' remarks at an event held in Nagpur on May 13. Veera Sathidar Smruti Samanvay Samiti and Samata Kala Manch, a prominent Ambedkarite cultural outfit, organised the event in memory of Veera Saathidar, in which an Urdu poem by Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz was recited. According to the police, they registered a case based on the complaint of a right-wing activist, Dattatraya Shirke, who alleged that this cultural programme featured provocative content with alleged Naxalite overtones. The complainant, who has been active in conducting health, education, and development initiatives in the Naxal-affected areas of Gadchiroli, described Samata Kala Manch as a radical group with a 'suspicious Naxal background.' According to the complaint filed at Sitabuldi police station in Nagpur, a member of Samata Kala Manch recited the controversial poem 'Hum Dekhenge' by Faiz Ahmad Faiz. He further alleged that a male speaker had made politically charged remarks, including references to 'fascism' and 'dictatorship,' and had called for shaking the metaphorical 'throne' of power in the country. The complainant claimed that such statements made during a public event were inflammatory and posed a threat to the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of India. He alleged that the event was designed to mislead the public, disturb social harmony, and provoke unrest, and called on authorities to take legal action against the organisers and participants. Pushpa Sathidar and two others were booked under sections 152 (acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India) which has replaced 'sedition' in Indian Penal Code, 196 (promoting enmity between different groups), 353 (circulation of false statements and rumors) and 3 (5) (liability of individuals when a criminal act is done in furtherance of a common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). 'The charges registered against Pushpa Sathidar are of serious nature. The investigation is currently ongoing, and any action will be taken only after its completion. No arrests have been made at this stage,' said Inspector Vitthalsingh Rajput. Born in 1960, Veera Sathidar is known for the national award-winning film, Court. He made a name for himself in almost every field, including arts, literature, the rebel movement, and acting. Veera Sathidar passed away in April 2021 in Nagpur.
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Wife of late activist Vira Sathidar booked over alleged inflammatory remarks
NAGPUR: The Sitabuldi police in Nagpur on Saturday registered a case against Pushpa Sathidar, 51, social activist and widow of the late actor and human rights campaigner Vira Sathidar, for allegedly making provocative statements during a memorial programme held in central Nagpur. The controversy stems from the performance of Hum Dekhenge, a celebrated Urdu nazm by Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz, and subsequent remarks made during the event. Organised by the Vira Sathidar Smriti Samanway Samiti in association with Samata Kala Manch—an Ambedkarite cultural collective advocating resistance through art—the programme took place at a hall near Jhansi Rani Square in Sitabuldi. According to the police, the FIR was lodged following a complaint by Datta Shirke, a right-wing activist, who alleged that the performance and accompanying speeches contained inflammatory content. He cited references to 'fascist times' and exhortations to 'shake the throne' as potentially disruptive to public harmony, especially in the wake of recent Indo-Pak tensions and the Pahalgam terror attack. A video recording of the event was submitted as evidence. Written in 1979 by Faiz as a critique of General Zia-ul-Haq's authoritarian rule in Pakistan, Hum Dekhenge rose to iconic status after being famously sung by Iqbal Bano in 1986. The poem has since resonated across borders as an anthem of resistance and hope. Pushpa Sathidar, a long-time activist, is known for her work in grassroots movements. Her late husband, Vira Sathidar, gained national recognition for his portrayal of a protest singer in Chaitanya Tamhane's critically acclaimed film Court (2014), which was India's official entry to the Academy Awards and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. Until his death due to COVID-19, Sathidar remained a vocal critic of systemic inequality and state repression. Confirming the development, Sitabuldi police inspector Vitthalsing Rajput said an FIR has been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including section 152 (endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), section 196 (promoting enmity between groups), section 353 (statements conducive to public mischief), and section 3(5) (common intention). 'We have acted on a formal complaint. The matter is under investigation and further action will be based on the evidence collected,' Rajput said. HT reached out to Pushpa Sathidar but she was unavailable for comment till the time of going to the press. Police have also begun examining the background of Samata Kala Manch. Its founder, Sudhir Dhawale, a prominent human rights activist, was previously arrested in connection with the Bhima-Koregaon case and is currently out on bail.
