The concept of identity – “Pehchaan” – holds a central place in the empowering our Barefoot Researchers to become conscious, contributing citizens. An understanding of our self through the multitude of socio-cultural factors that shape our identity and how it impacts participatory research is critical. However, defining identity itself is a complex process.
PUKAR had a great honour to host, the celebrated actress, script writer, film director, activist and one of the PUKAR’s trustees, Ms. Nandita Das, to address the question of individual and collective identity.
During a two-hour open discussion, Ms. Das shared and tackled the complex process of building identities with young researchers. Starting with her powerful signature campaign “India Got Colour” that deals with identity by colours, Ms. Das manoeuvred through religion, caste, class, gender, to regional and political ideology. Dwelling upon the severe inequality created due to caste and class, lack of opportunities, she emphasized on the fact that one builds one’s their own identity in relation with others. Together, Nandita and the Barefoot Researchers questioned the existing conflicts around identities in India, addressing the issues of growing inequalities. The most important fact that she reiterated upon was that our identity should primarily be built by our ideology, our thoughts and our actions; everything else taking secondary role.
“Since our second residential workshop I have been thinking about different identities which each one of us identifies with, but today Nanditaji, not only explained the formation of our identity based on the social structures but also taught us to defend it through non-violent means,” said Kulsum, a Barefoot Researcher.
“Through the conversation today I also learned to be confident about me and my choices while also respecting other’s preferences and being mindful before judging people based on media stereotypes.”
Team PUKAR is thankful to Nandita Das for giving her precious time and for sharing her wisdom and knowledge with us. Here is a little sneak peek of our day.
Picture Credit: Salman Khan
