JOIN USDisha's arrest: 'Youth with passion to change world not safe in India'
A group of parents came together on Thursday to condemn the arrest of young activist Disha Ravi and said they were worried that their children could be persecuted in a similar manner for standing up to injustice.
More than 200 people signed an open letter issued to the media, calling Disha’s arrest “arbitrary and criminalisation” of a toolkit used both by the government and social movements.
“As parents of children, teenagers and young adults, we are shocked by this arrest... We have striven to inculcate in our children a love for the planet and their fellow human beings. We value their concerns about the state of the world and their desire to stand up against injustice and make a difference,” the statement reads.
The signatories called Disha’s arrest an “abduction” that sends a message that “no young person with a sense of curiosity and passion to change the world is safe in today’s India”.
“As parents, we know that all-round development of children and youth is only possible when they are exposed to different viewpoints, when they can debate and stand for or against any position. We are shocked at the call to exterminate Disha by an elected official and the equating of her actions to terrorism. We are dismayed at the exhortations to youth to “keep their heads down” and “focus on their studies”. By criminalising young people’s speech, thoughts and lawful actions, India fails its future citizens,” the statement said.
The parents said it was “a matter of shame” that the Karnataka government abdicated its responsibility in the matter.
“We are angered that her family was given no information about her arrest or any opportunity to interact with her. We are filled with a sense of disquiet and foreboding — any of our children could be taken from us in this manner,” they said.
Sudha N, one of the people who drafted the statement, said there were many other people who supported them but were not forthcoming to sign the letter. “The fear is palpable,” she added.
The letter comes two days after more than 500 alumni of Mount Carmel College — Disha’s alma mater — issued a similar statement.