In a controversial incident, as former cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and Gurkeerat Mann face backlash and a police complaint for allegedly mocking people with disabilities (PwD) in a video posted on Instagram, a battery of individuals and players within the community have stepped forward to vehemently condemn the sports’ icons ‘disgraceful’ act.
As the video, where they mimicked physical disabilities while recreating actor Vicky Kaushal's dance step from the song "Tauba Tauba", sparked widespread condemnation, one of the sports icons under the scanner Harbhajan Singh has issued an apology amidst calls for accountability and sensitivity.
Arman Ali, the executive director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) who filed the complaint in the afternoon with the SHO of the Amar Colony police station in a strongly worded statement said it is "disgusting to see India's top cricketers mocking disability. Shameful and atrocious behaviour from those who are idolised by masses. Shame on them...”
Alongside the cricketers, the complaint also names Sandhya Devanathan, Vice President and Managing Director of Meta India. It accuses Instagram, owned by Meta, of violating the Information Technology Act, 2000, for allowing such content to be uploaded and shared. Authorities at the Amar Colony police station stated that the complaint will be forwarded to the cyber cell for further investigation.
Para-badminton star Manasi Joshi, a former world number one in her category, minced no words as she directly addressed Harbhajan Singh, who is Rajya Sabha Member from Aam Aadmi Party also and Suresh Raina on social media instagram, criticizing them for mocking the gait patterns of people with disabilities.
“Wanted more responsibility from the stars that you all are, please do not mock the gait patterns of people with disabilities. This isn’t funny…this isn’t legendary.
“You don’t know how much harm your behaviour can do. The appreciation you’re getting from people around is appalling to see. This reel of yours is going to encourage that it is ok to make fun of the walking patterns of people with disabilities for a few laughs.
“More young children with disabilities will be bullied by using this reel. If any of you athletes would have done responsible community service in disability space area, you all would not have come up with this reel. I’m scared how the PR agencies of these athletes approved this reel for public platform,” Manasi rued.
“This isn’t legendary if you’re mocking gait patterns of people with polio. This will enable bullying on young children with disabilities in India,” Manasi added in another comment on the video.
Disability rights activist Satendra Singh criticised the cricketers for lacking empathy, particularly noting Yuvraj Singh's personal battle with cancer, which should have fostered greater sensitivity. Likewise, Muralidharan, General Secretary, National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled too was upset. “While cricket lovers throughout the country have joined them in celebrating every victory, the mimicking of certain categories of disabled persons to show the hardships is distasteful. …considering that people hold them in high esteem for the high laurels that they have brought the country in the past.”
This degrading action reveals their total insensitivity and boorishness. They should remember that their actions only help to reinforce regressive values and understandings, he said.
Murlidharan spoke unequivocally as he commented, "Notwithstanding laws, guidelines, and court strictures, the overarching consciousness of people and society are what gets exposed.”
The criticism of such acts by the advocacy groups highlights a growing awareness and scrutiny of how disability is represented and treated in public discourse and media, reinforcing the importance of sensitivity and inclusivity in cultural expressions and public action, noted Thilakam Rajendran, one of the Co-founders of NEDAR Foundation which assists the PwDs in setting up startups in the country.
Rahul Gupta, founder and Managing Partner of ValuAble, a USD 100 million venture debt business aimed at fostering economic inclusion, too expressed his disappointment, particularly towards Yuvraj Singh. Gupta, who is visually impaired emphasised that the ex-cricketer who is more known for his resilience on the cricket field while battling the throat cancer should have been more sensitive in his actions as he is viewed as an icon within the disability community.
Gupta said that the sector is not seeking their apologies but it is high time they should also deeply reflect on the impact their actions have on the disability sector. He emphasised the importance of standing in solidarity with the sector rather than inadvertently undermining its challenges.
