New Delhi: Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and their fellow wrestlers are certainly not amongst those Narendra Modi can accuse of being andolanjeevis. Watching them at Jantar Mantar, it is obvious that theirs is the world of the wrestling mat, not the arena of public protest. But the unwillingness of the Modi government to take action against Wrestling Federation of India president and six-time BJP MP, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, for alleged sexual harassment has forced them to sit on an indefinite protest in the heart of the national capital.
As crowds of supporters continue to swell daily at Jantar Mantar, the wrestlers themselves prefer to stay in the back of their makeshift tarpaulin shelter, away as much as possible from the nonstop scrutiny of the cameras lined up just outside the police barricade. They give a press conference once a day and try to meet and greet well-wishers as much as they can, but generally keep a low profile, if such a thing were even possible in this situation. The media is not allowed inside their barricaded enclosure.
Early in the morning before the crowds arrive, though, the wrestlers look a bit more relaxed, but it is plain to see the pressure of the situation writ large on their faces.
On Friday, the Supreme Court ordered the Delhi police to lodge an FIR against Brij Bhushan. A couple of days prior, I spoke with Sakshi Malik.
First of all, how are you doing?
(Smiling wryly) You can imagine what it’s like sleeping on the footpath! We have been battling mosquitoes for the last four nights. We trained here on the street this morning and then freshened up at a room nearby. The rest of the time we stay here. We eat and sleep here. It is an effort to keep hope alive, but we have decided that we will sit here till we get justice.
The Prime Minister’s 100th ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode will be broadcast on April 30, and many people are sending suggestions for topics they would like to see covered. Is there anything you would like him to talk about?
I would like to tell him that a Woman’s Panel should be constituted and their mann ki baat should be heard. Make sure there is a sportswoman on that panel and listen to her mann ki baat as well! Please understand how much we struggle and how many years it takes for us to get anywhere, and the sacrifices we have had to make! It is not easy to win an Olympic medal, you know?
What is making you the saddest about this situation?
My greatest sorrow is not for myself but for what others are going through as a result. I am always concerned about any trouble my parents go through on my account. Look at all the medalists sitting here, and not just the medalists but all the decent, unselfish people who have come here to express their support to us. Will God not listen to their prayers either?
For example, a family came all the way from Bhopal to spend two nights with us here on this footpath, just to show us selfless solidarity. They have a young son, who is probably not more than seven or eight years of age, who also slept here on the footpath for two nights. Other young people barely in their teens are also staying here with us. We have to keep an eye out for them at well as night to make sure nothing bad happens to them.
I feel so bad for people like that but I also marvel at their concern for us. So many people are joining us and that is what is giving us courage.
A lot of farmers are coming to support you…
We come from farmers’ families. My grandfather was a farmer, even though my father came to the city and worked at a government job. I spent my childhood in the village. I have seen farmers struggle, how they work in all seasons, and how they weep when unseasonal rains come. I have seen how they struggle to sell their produce and feed their families. Every day more and more of them are joining us. It gives us a lot of comfort and strength…
Do you have a message for women and girls in India who want to rise above their circumstances?
The reason we are fighting for justice right now is because we don’t want future generations of sportswomen and girls to be wronged as well. I want to tell women, you can raise your voice. Everyone can find courage within themselves! If any woman will raise her voice, she will be heard. Don’t suffer injustice quietly. Raise your voice! Indian women are second to none and their achievements are there for the world to see.
Did you ever think the day would come when you would have to sleep on a footpath?
Never. But I think God has a plan in all of this. I believe very strongly in karma. I know that if I have done anything wrong, then I will immediately reap the fruits. Whatever is happening is in God’s hands. I certainly didn’t want any of this. But so many people have come together. How have they come together? This is all in God’s hands, and whatever result He brings about in the end, I will accept that.
Interview Video at https://youtu.be/EvRI-7ToIGo
Rohit Kumar is a writer and educator.
