New Delhi: Hundreds of concerned citizens, on Tuesday, made a ‘last appeal’ to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the eve of his visit to Ayodhya to attend the publicised bhoomi pujan of the Ram temple, to not act upon this ‘political decision to cater to his constituency of fundamentalists.’
Over 200 members of the National Federation of Indian Women, and a hundred other representatives of women’s movements, political leaders, academics, journalists and concerned citizens of the country have signed the appeal which requests the prime minister “to desist from participating in a public function that will have long term negative ramifications for the democratic, secular fabric of the country.”
Also read: Narendra Modi the Citizen Can Attend Ayodhya ‘Bhoomi Pujan’, But Prime Minister Shouldn’t
The statement of the appeal, signed by NFIW president Aruna Roy and NFIW general secretary Annie Raja, notes that the prime minister’s decision to participate in this function comes amidst the economic collapse and the coronavirus pandemic that quickened it.
“Unfortunately, it is the Prime Minister, who took an oath on the constitution of the country, who will be leading the proceedings. Not only will he be violating the protocol of the COVID-19 pandemic, but he will also be violating the constitution by being an office bearer and endorsing a religious proceeding. The PM of the country leads a secular, democratic and non-partisan people,” the statement notes.
The appeal is as followed:
APPEAL TO PRIME MINISTER
The National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), which was founded by prominent women freedom fighters like Aruna Asaf Ali, expresses its deep disappointment and disapproval at the reported participation of Shri Narendra Modi, the PRIME MINISTER of India, in laying the foundation of the temple at Ayodhya.
The matter of faith and freedom of religion is a personal choice and a fundamental freedom of every citizen. This principles enshrined in the fundamental rights of the Constitution applies to Mr. Narendra Modi as well.
The Constitution of India makes it clear that the government and Prime Minister should remain neutral to, and above all religions, thus upholding the values of secular India. The Prime Minister going to Ayodhya to lay the foundation of the temple undermines our secular framework, and clearly endorses the majoritarian Hindutva agenda, despite his claims of building an inclusive India. It implies the negation of the Constitutional values.
Mr. Modi is not just an individual citizen. As the Prime Minister and head of the government today, he should take special care to make sure that he is not seen as partisan towards with one faith or religion. This is especially as, notwithstanding the court verdict, Ayodhya continues to be a disputed issue.
The official Unlock 3.0 guidelines state that “Social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious functions and other large congregations will not be permitted.”
The Prime Minister’s participation in a ceremony of this kind is bound to send a message of double standards practiced by the highest public functionaries of India.
The priorities of the government today should be to confront the economic and health crisis.
NFIW, together with the undersigned representatives of women’s movements, political leaders, academics, journalists and concerned citizens of the country appeal to the Prime Minister to NOT PARTICIPATE, either physically or virtually, in the foundation laying function at Ayodhya.
Thanking you.
The list of signatories is as follows:
List of signatories
- Aruna Roy, President, National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW)
- Annie Raja, Gen. Sec., National Federation of Indian Women
- Mariam Dhawale, General Secretary, All India Democratic Women’s Association
- Chhabi Mohanty, General Secretary, All India Mahila Sanskritik Sangathan(AIMSS)
- Nisha Biswas, Women against Sexual Violence and State repression (WSS)
- Pamela Philipose, Independent journalist
- Binoy Viswam, Member of Parliament, Secretary, National Council, CPI
- Lissy Joseph, Confederation of Free Trade Unions of India
- Vineet, Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan
- Shobha Nandwana, Former Prof. Human Development And Family Studies, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT)Udaipur.
- Brinelle D’souza, Faculty Member, TISS Tata Institute of Social Sciences
- Dr. T. Jayakumar, Associate Professor of English, Periyar EVR College
- Jessica Richard, Feminist, Theologian, Editor and Gender Consultant, Church of South India.
- Swati Narayan, Visiting Fellow, Institute for Human Development
- Joseph Mattam, Emeritus Professor, Gujarat Vidya Deep
- Sheelu, Women’s Collective
- Mamta Jaitly, Secretary Vividha
- Kamayani Swami, Jan Jagaran Shakti Sangathan
- Charul joshi, COMMUNIST Party of India.
- Kazi Sangramoon Uddin, CPIML Liberation
- Vijaya Lakshmi Joshi, Human Rights Activist, People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)
- Sutapa Bhattacharya Chakraborty, CPI
- Amutha Jayadeep, Former Joint Secretary JNUSU, AISF
- Ila Dalwai, President, Hamid Dalwai Muslim Research Institute
- Shalini Gera, Advocate, High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur
- Dilip D’Souza, Independent writer
- Sanjeev Chandan, Editor Streekaal, Streekaal
- Cedric Prakash , Human Rights Activist, PRASHANT
- Aysha, Right to Food Campaign
- Narendran Kandasamy , PARE Foundation
- Indira Unninayar, Advocate Supreme Court and Delhi High Court
- Maimoona Mollah, President, AIDWA Delhi
- Shambhu Ghatak, Senior Associate Fellow, Inclusive Media for Change, Common Cause
- Viveka, Professor, Mumbai, JCoR Maharashtra
- Rosaline, Project manager, Sahayini Social Development Society
- सीमा राजोरिया, अशोकनगर,NFIW
- सुसंस्कृति परिहार, दमोह, NFIW
- A.B.Thameem Ansari, Nagore Sharing Haj Service
- Abonti Handique, Assam Mohila Songha, NIFW
- Adv. P. Vasantham, Thiruvantapuram, Kerala Mahila Sangham
- Advocate Kranti Deshmukh, State Vice President, Amravati, NFIW
- Advocate Madhuri Kshirsagar, State Executive Member, Parbhani, NFIW
- Akhileshwari Ramagoud, Independent Journalist and Academic
- Alfiya K Jose, Indian Institute of Technology Madras
- Amita, Advocate
- Amrit Joga, Bathinda, N.F.I.W
- Anbarasi, Nurse Presentation
- Appamma, Guntur District, NFIW,
- Aruna Gnanadason, Indian Christian Women’s Movement
- Aruna, Anantapur District, NFIW.
- ArunaSinha, NCR, NFIW
- Arvind Peter, Christian Institute for the study of Religion (CISRS), Delhi
- Asha Sharma, Gen Secretary, AIDWA Delhi
- Ashvini Pagare, Nashik, NFIW
- Asomi Gogoi, Secretary, Asom Mahila Songha, NFIW
- Avtar Kaur, Ludhiana, N.F.I.W
- सारिका श्रीवास्तव राज्य सचिव, इंदौर, NFIW
- सिस्टर सुचिता, NFIW
- चेतना, NFIW
- B.Bimalamma, Vishaka District, NFIW
- B.Parameswari, Vishaka District, NFIW
- Badiuzzaman , Citizen of India
- Baljinder Kaur, Ludhiana, N.F.I.W
- Balwinder Kaur, Amritsar Rural, N.F.I.W.
- Balwinder Kaur, Gurdaspur, Social Activist
- Basanti Lakrs, Teacher
- Bhagyalakshmi, Kadapa District, NFIW,
- Bharathi, Guntur District, NFIW
- Bharati Kachari, Asom Mahila Sanga Jorhat, NFIW
- Bharati Kachari, Asom Mahila Sanga Jorhat
- Bharti Dhakwal, Raigad, NFIW
- Bharti Nyalpalli, Ahmednagar ,NFIW
- रेखा पालिया, गुना, NFIW
- ललिता कुमारी, जिला begusarai-NFIW
- लाड़कुँवर, उज्जैन, NFIW
- सन्तोषी देवी, जबलपुर, NFIW
- Caroline Flora, Sec. Grade, St. Kevin’s Anglo Indian Higher secondary school
- Ch.Krishnaveni, Kadapa District, NFIW
- Chakri Bai, Hyderabad, NFIW
- Chandana Jha,Katihar, NFIW
- Chitra Vanjari, Amravati, NFIW
- D. Krishnakumari, Hyderabad, NFIW
- D.Ramanamma, Krishna District, NFIW
- D.Sitaravamma Kumari.NFIW.
- Darshna, Jallandhr, N.F.I.W
- Deepti Bharti , G.S, NFIW Delhi Unit
- Dev Desai, ANHAD
- Dr M Ismaeel Khan, Private job
- Dr Manasi Baheti, Aurangabad, NFIW
- Dr. Kochurani Abraham, Feminist Theologian, Indian Christian Women’s Movement
- Dr.Anuradha Reddi, Mumbai, NFIW
- राधा देबनाथ, जमना कालरी, अनूपपुर जिला, NFIW
- रामदुलारीजी, अशोकनगर, NFIW
- रामवती यादव (अनूपपुर),NFIW
- रिंकू कुमारी , पटना, NFIW
- रीना पात्रे, कोतमा, शहडोल जिला,NFIW
- E.Ramadevi, Kothagudam, NFIW
- Elfinarod, Social coordinator, Pushpanjali
- Faimida, Rangareddy, NFIW
- Flory Menezes, JcoR
- G. Varamma, Medchal,NFIW
- G.Pavitra, Anantapur District, NFIW.
- निशा मिश्रा, उपाध्यक्ष (जमना कालरी, अनूपपुर जिला), NFIW
- प्रीति झा, कटिहार, NFIW
- प्रेमा, वैशाली, NFIW
- राजश्री किरण, मधुबनी, बिहार, NFIW
- Gayatri, Prakasam District, NFIW,
- Geeta Katagi, Dharwad, Hubli Dist,NFIW
- Giddamma, Karnool District, NFIW, N
- Girija, Medchal, NFIW
- Gudem Laxmi, Karimnagar, NFIW
- Gulzar Bhat, Journalist, Freelancer
- Gurbax Kaur, Jallandhr, N.F.I.W
- Harjit Kaur, Fazlika, N.F.I.W
- Harjit Kaur, Taran Taran, N.F.I.W
- Harsharanjit , Patiala, N.F.I.W
- Indira, West Godavary District, NFIW
- करुणा सोनी(अनूपपुर), NFIW
- किरन प्रकाश बोर्डे(सिवनी), NFIW
- कृष्णा दुबे, राज्य अध्यक्ष (गुना),NFIW
- ज्योति गोरे, राजपुर, बड़वानी जिला, NFIW
- दीपा भट्ट, सागर, NFIW
- J. Laxmi, Medchal, NFIW
- Jacob, Development Consultant, Dharma Bharati Service Society
- JAMES G, Independent Researcher
- Jangamma, Yadadri, NFIW
- Jaspal Bhatia, Supporter NFIW
- Javid Hussain, Civil engineer, Psna
- Jayalakshmi, Anantapur District, NFIW.
- Jayalakshmi, Chitoor District, NFIW
- Jeet Kumari, Ludhiana, N.F.I.W
- Jeevasundari, Writer, Freelancer
- Joginder, Fazlika, N.F.I.W
- Jyothi Natrajan, State Executive Member, Nashik, NFIW
- Jyotsna Mali, Pune, National Federation of Indian Women
- K.Baby, West Godavary District, NFIW
- K.Shantha, Jagityal, NFIW
- K.Shobha Rani, Karimnagar, NFIW
- K.Sitamahalakshmi, West Godavary District, NFIW
- K.Suguna, Bupalpally, NFIW
- Kajal Verma, None
- Kamya, Social worker, No Affiliation
- Kanika , Student
- Karen Gabriel, St Stephen’s College
- Karuna, Prakasam District, NFIW
- Kavin Malar, Writer/Journalist, Independent
- Kiran Prakash, Gaya, NFIW
- Kiranbir Valtoha, Taran Taran, N.F.I.W
- Kotamma, Suryapet,NFIW
- Krishna bai Zunjur, Thane District, NFIW
- Kulwant Kaur, Ludhiana, N.F.I.W
- Kulwant Kaur, Amritsar Rural, N.F.I.W.
- Kurshida, Anantapur District, NFIW.
- Kushal Bhaura, Bathinda, N.F.I.W.
- Leila Passah, Feminist Activist
- Lad Kumari Jain, Prof (retd) & Social Activist, Rajasthan University Women’s Association
- Lakshmi Devi, NFIW
- Lanci Rodrigues , Premanjali
- Lata Bhise Sonawane, State Secretary and National Executive Member, Maharashtra NFIW
- Lata Bhise Sonawane, state secretary, Pune, NFIW
- Lathadevi, Khammam, NFIW
- Laxmi, Suryapet, NFIW
- Lisa Pires, Private Citizen
- Lova Ratnam, East Godavary District, NFIW
- M. Gonsalves, इंडियन कॅथलिक nun
- M. Sadalaxmi, Central Committee, NFIW
- M. Vijaya, Prakasam District, NFIW,NFIW
- M.Nalindi, Adilabad, NFIW
- M.Swarooparani, Nizamabad, NFIW
- Madhuri Honagekar, Karwar dist, NFIW
- Malleshwari, Suryapet, NFIW
- Manjit Kaur, Sangrur, N.F.I.W.
- Manjit Kaur, Faridkot, N.F.I.W
- Manjit Kaur, Mansa, N.F.I.W
- Manjula, Chitoor District, NFIW
- Manjula, NFIW
- Margaret Gonsalves, Social activist
- Mariazinha, Teacher Manager
- Minakshi Bombarde, Bhandara, NFIW
- Mohd Abuzar, ANHAD
- Ms. V. Saldanha, Coordinator, ICWM Mumbai, Indian Christian Women’s Movement
- Munnalaxmi Kumara, Kothagudam, NFIW
- N. Jyothi, Central Committee, NFIW
- N. Rao Potturi, Society for Environment and Education
- N.Bramaramba, East Godavary District, NFIW
- N.Jagadamba, West Godavary District, NFIW
- N.Ramasubbayamma, Guntur District, NFIW
- Nadiya, Chitoor District, NFIW
- Nagalakshmi, West Godavary District, NFIW
- Nageswaramma, Karnool District, NFIW
- Nanda Jadhav, Mumbai, NFIW
- Narinder Pal, Taran Taran, N.FI.W
- Narinder Sohal, Moga, N.F.I.W
- Neha Pathania, Pathankot, N.F.I.W
- Nirmala Alfonso, Karwar District, NFIW
- Nirmala Pawar, Thane Samiti, NFIW
- Nisha Sidhu, Secretary, National Federation of Indian Women
- Nivedita Jha,Patna, NFIW
- Nusrat Parveen, South Delhi, NFIW
- P. Padmavati, Chennai, India Matar Desiya Sammelanam
- P.Kalavati, Khammam, NFIW
- P.Sugunamma, Jangoan, NFIW
- Padma, Manchirial, NFIW
- Paramita Dasgupta, West Bengal State Asst. Secretary. NFIW
- Parmarprezy, Teacher, Pushpanjali
- Parvathi Prasad, Anantapur District, NFIW.
- Parveen Kaur, Amritsar City, N.F.I.W
- Parveen Sharma, Amritsar city, N.F.I.W.
- Persis Ginwalla, Individual
- Philomena John, West Delhi, NFIW
- Pooja, Chandigarh, N.F.I.W
- Prabhavathi, Srikakulam District, NFIW
- Prabhavati Das, Bhubhaneshwar, Utkal Mahila Samiti
- Pramiladevi, Peddapally, NFIW
- Pramoda Hazare, Madhuri Nevagiri, Nisha Mohan Patil, Belgaum Dist, NFIW
- Pravin Mastud, AISF
- Prema, Presentation Sister
- Purnima, Manchirial, NFIW
- Purti Lakhode, Amravati, NFIW
- Pushpa Saini , Social Worker, Mahila Punarvas Samuh Samiti, Jaipur
- R. S. Ismail, Executive Trustee, We Can Women’s Coalition Trust
- R.Srividya, Warangal (urban), NFIW
- Radha, Jagityal GB, NFIW
- Raja Kumari, Adilabad, NFIW
- Rajamani, KamaReddy, NFIW
- Rajamani, Yadadri, NFIW
- Rajani , NFIW
- Rajinderpal Kaur, Taran Taran
- Rajni Bakshi, Author, Freelance writer
- Ramanamma, Kadapa District, NFIW, NFIW
- Ranjan Solomon, Badayl
- Ratnamma, Chitoor District, NFIW
- Ravi Kanta Ludhiana, N.F.I.W
- Ravinderjit, Patiala, N.F.I.W
- Rebin Vincent Gralan, Bar Association
- Reetha, Social Worker, Sarvodaya Social centre
- Regi, Presentation Sisters
- Rehana Begam, West Delhi, NFIW
- Rekha Sharma, Mansa, N.F.I.W
- Rekha, Gurdaspur, N.F.I.W
- Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, Presbyter, Christ Church
- Roja, West Godavary District, NFIW,
- Ronak, Law Student, PUCL, Jaipur
- Rupinder Kaur, Taran Taran, N.F.I.W
- S. Chayadevi, Hyderabad, NFIW
- S.Pushpakumari, West Godavary District, NFIW
- S.Ravamma, Prakasam District, NFIW,NFIW
- S.Vijaya, Warangal (Rural), NFIW
- Saguna Shrimal, Ahmednagar, NFIW
- Sambalaxmi, Mahabubabad, NFIW
- Sameer Pathan , Independent
- Samima Ansari, Nagore Shariff Haj Service
- Sanklpana Karhade, State Treasurer, Thane District, NFIW
- Santosh Brar, Jallandhr, N.F.I.W
- Saraswathi, Srikakulam District, NFIW
- Saroj Murtijapurkar, Akole, NFIW
- Saroja, Anantapur District, NFIW.
- Savitri, Siddipet, NFIW
- Secretary, Forum of Religious, FORUM
- Seema Sohal Taran Taran N.F.I.W
- Shakuntala Kour, North West, NFIW
- Shamim Ahmad, Independent
- Shamim Bano Khan, Bhandara, NFIW
- Sharnjit Kaur, Amritsar Rural, N.F.I.W
- Shayama Sreee Das, Kolkata, Pachim Banga Mahila Samiti
- Shehnaz Qadri, North Delhi, NFIW
- Shinder Kaur, Moga, N.F.I.W
- Shivani, Hyderabad, NFIW
- Shweta Azad, Student
- Simerjit Kaur, Moga, N.F.I.W
- SK. Chanbibi, Vijayanagaram District, NFIW
- Sk. Haseena, Karnool District, NFIW
- SK. Maddi Manikyam, Vijayanagaram District, NFIW
- Sk.Ashabi, Anantapur District, NFIW.
- SK.Begam, Vishaka District, NFIW
- Sk.Lalbi, West Godavary District, NFIW
- Sk.Munni, Kadapa District, NFIW, NFIW
- Smita Pansare, State President, Ahmednagar, NFIW
- Snehal Kamble, Kolhapur, N.F.I.W
- Snehal Kumari, Partner in a travel agency, Supporter NFIW
- Sonali Biswas, Committee Member, NFIW, Paschi Banga Mahila Samity
- Subbalakshmi, Vishaka District, NFIW NFIW
- Sufi, Pune, NFIW
- Sukhraj Kaur, Taran Taran, N.F.I.W
- Sulatai Patil, Thane Samiti, NFIW
- Sumitra Sinha, East Delhi, NFIW
- Sumitra, Fazlika, N.F.I.W
- Sunita Amrutsagar, State Joint Secretary, Kolhapur NFIW
- Surjit Kalra, Chandigarh, N.F.I.W
- Sushila Sahay,Patna, NFIW
- Swastika Sanghmitra, NFIW Jharkhand
- Swati Kshirsagar, Kolhapur, NFIW
- Swati Nayan Gaikwa , Akole, NFIW
- T.Nirmaladevi, Khammam, NFIW
- T.Rahela, Warangal (urban),NFIW
- U. Srujana- Central Committee, NFIW
- Usha Devi, Noida, NFIW
- Usha Waghmare, Raigad, NFIW
- Utpal Das Advocate, Individual
- V Ponnuraj, Retired Professor
- V. B. Ganesan, Pensioner, Freelance Translator
- V.Syamala, West Godavary District, NFIW
- Vandana Kulkarni, Individual
- Varalakshmi, Anantapur District, NFIW.
- Varsha Chavan, Parbhani, NFIW
- Vasantha, Convent, Independent
- Vasudha Kalyankar, State Joint Secretary, Aurangabad, NFIW
- Vazritasma, St. Mary’s Convent School
- Vidya Kore, State Vice President, Thane Smiti
- Vijayalaxmi Pandit, Vikarabad, NFIW
- Vijayalaxmi, Medchal, NFIW
- Vijita, Sanga Reddy, NFIW
- Yadamma, Rangareddy, NFIW
- Yadla Laksmi, East Godavary District, NFIW
- Zaid Shaikh, BA.LLB,
- ZIN P., Teacher, Manager
- Zoha Mahdi, Civil society member
- अर्चना प्रसाद (अशोकनगर), NFIW
- Gargi Chakravartty, Executive Council Member, National Federation of Indian Women
- Koninika Ray, Executive Council Member, National Federation of Indian Women
- Supriya Chotani, Executive Council Member, National Federation of Indian Women
- Nisar, NAS
- Silvia PBVM, Individual