Author: Prerna Sodhi
Publication: The Times of India
Date: August 26, 2011
URL: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-26/delhi/29931367_1_team-anna-animal-skin-anna-hazare
Anna Hazare is the only ray of hope these
men and women have seen in the past six decades. As Anna entered his 10th
day of fasting on Thursday, with talks between the government and Team Anna
reaching a critical stage, a tribal group from Kalahandi, Orissa, made its
way to Ramlila Maidan in hope of a better future. Clad in brick red lungis,
cobalt blue robes and an orange cape, these tribals performed their traditional
dance, Ghoomra.
Markanda Nair, head of the troupe of 11 artistes,
explained that Ghoomra is a dance that was traditionally performed during
the time of battle. "Annaji is also fighting a battle for the betterment
of society. So, we decided to perform here to keep his and his supporters'
spirits up," he said.
The Ghoomra performance involves beating of
dhols, made from clay pots and animal skin. The instruments are Nishhar, a
kind of a drum made from a metal container that is covered with animal skin
and a pair of cymbals. "Usually, they earn money by performing in various
villages," said Nair.
Describing the dismal condition that these
men and women live in, Nair said Anna and his fight against corruption had
given them hope for a better life. "We have nothing much to eat. We eat
bugs and prawns. Our children hardly receive any education. And there is no
connectivity to our village," said Nair. Even to travel to Delhi, the
troupe had to walk 12 km before reaching a bus stand.
While the Ghoomra dance pumped up the morning
crowd, the presence of traditional acrobats from Mahant, Chhattisgarh, called
Natt Kala, caught the breath of the audiences. An underprivileged caste of
Chhattisgarh, these families earn through their ancestral art of walking on
a tight ropewalk. Ten-year-old Kadma can not only balance herself and walk
on a rope, using a plate and a wheel, but can also swing violently while performing
the act.
A troupe of 120 artistes reached Ramlila Maidan
to support Anna and to voice their grievances. "Our children and families
earn by performing acrobatics but that is unlawful. And our children do not
receive any education to earn through other means. We are here to support
Anna as our struggle is his struggle and his is ours," said Mayaram Nath,
50, the chief of the group. "We are tired of our living conditions and
the callous attitude of the administration towards us," added Nath.
