A tribute to Pulwama martyrs
Who doesn’t want to be a part of the merriment and Holi fervour? This spring festival has gained such widespread popularity that now it is even celebrated abroad by people of different faiths and colours. However, Polash, a Kolkata-based transgender community, decided to observe the spring festival in a unique way. Instead of colours, flowers were used to pay homage to the bravehearts — CRPF jawans, who were victims of the dastardly terror attack of February 14 in Pulwama. Polash decided to dedicate the festival to our fallen heroes. The event took place at Nandan West Bengal Film Centre in Kolkata on Sunday March 17.
Talking about the idea behind organising this tribute, 25-year-old Obhisek Kar, head of Polash, said, “Patriotism doesn’t only mean that you stand when the national anthem is playing or cheer for the Indian cricket team when its playing a match. Patriotism, for me, is to stand by the people, of the people, for the people. Pulwama attack took the lives of many soldiers and is a great loss to our country. The attack shattered the hearts of millions and it shook me too.” Every year, Polash, a self-financed group, organises such meaningful events. “Our main motive is to do something not only for our society but for the country as well. Spring means new beginnings and this year, our group is dedicating the festival to the sacrifices of our Indian Army. Our soldiers keep a vigil on the borders and keep our motherland safe, which is why we are able to live peacefully and celebrate festivals like Holi, Diwali, Durga Puja and so on.”
One of the participants at Sunday’s event, Disha Bhattacharyya, 23, sales executive at a pharmaceutical company, said, “Patriotism is what you feel for your country from within. It is not about sending WhatsApp forwards on Independence / Republic Day. It is the involuntary tears that flow when you watch Rang De Basanti for the 10th time. What happened at Pulwama was disastrous to say the least. But a lot of Indians and mainstream media took this as a chance to propagate war sentiments amongst each other, which was disgraceful. People became war strategists overnight. Is this the kind of patriotism we are talking about?”
This is the fourth year of Polash’s Bosonto Hullor (celebration of spring). And every year, they have been celebrating this event with grandeur. “But this year, keeping in mind the Pulwama attack and the volatile situation in the country, Polash decided to celebrate it not with colours but more meaningful initiatives like a blood donation camp for the army hospitals. In the evening, a short cultural programme was organised where members of Polash paid their gratitude to the soldiers who have lost their lives and those who are fighting everyday for the country,” said Subrata Barishwala, 23, journalist and one of the organisers of the event.
“Pulwama attack was shocking for all of us, and our soldiers made the supreme sacrifice. Their families too have suffered irreparable loss. Terrorism has no nationality or religion, and sadly, it is growing. I have been taking part in Polash’s celebrations every year, but this year, I came here to appreciate the unique way in which they are celebrating it. That said, we should remember that paying a tribute won’t make a lot of difference to the lives lost, but if we are together and united, we can fight any tough situation and help bring a change,” said Subhasish Saha, 25, politician and writer.
