Observing the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, a film screening along with the discussion with eminent writer Manzoor Ahtesham was organized on Friday.
The event was organized by a youth group Beagles’ Films at Hindi Bhavan Auditorium. During the programme a Hindi film Jai Bhim Comrade was screened. The screening of the movie was followed with a discussion with Manzoor Ahtesham.
The event began with film screening, Jai Bhim Comrade. It is a 2011 Inidan Documentary directed by Anand Patwardhan. The film begins with the description of police violence in the 1997 Ramabai Killings.
The 199 minutes long movie goes on to explore various aspects of the lives and politics of Dalit people in Mumbai. The film also includes a song by Dalit poet and Activist Vilas Ghogre which was followed by a shot of a newspaper clipping describing the suicide in reaction to the Ramabhai Killings in 1997.
The second part of the film showcases about the comtemporary Dalit activism, chiefly the activities of the Kabir Kala Manch.
It is a troupe of singers using their performances to raise awareness and support for the Dalits. The film describes the initial successes of the troupe during the protests that was followed with the Khairlanji Massacre in 2006.
Interestingly, the film took 14 years to produce and was released in year 2011. The film was widely showcased at national and international levels and received overwhelming positive reaction. It has also won national and international awards.
The film screening was followed with discussion with Manzoor Ahtesham. He shared his views about BR Ambedkar with the youngsters present during the event.