The legacy of cultural activism was remembered with reverence in Lucknow on Thursday. A special programme was organized to mark the death anniversaries of the celebrated cultural activists, writer, and playwright Safdar Hashmi and Rambahadur Nepali. The event took place at the Passenger Coach Factory (PCF) located in the Alambagh area of the city.
Commemoration Through Performance Art
The core of the commemorative event was a powerful street play staged by theatre artists. This form of performance art, deeply associated with Hashmi's own work and the people's theatre movement, served as a fitting tribute. The play aimed to reflect the ideals and struggles that both Hashmi and Nepali championed through their lives and creative endeavors.
Organizers and Venue Significance
The event was jointly organized by two key groups: the Amuk Artist Group and the Northern Railway Mazdoor Union (NRMU). The choice of venue, the Passenger Coach Factory, is significant as it connects the cultural remembrance to the working-class community, a constituency both activists often represented and fought for through their art and activism.
Honoring Icons of Cultural Resistance
Safdar Hashmi, a prominent figure in Indian street theatre and a communist activist, is best remembered for founding the Jana Natya Manch (Janam). His work focused on socio-political issues, and his tragic death in 1989 following an attack during a performance left a deep impact. Rambahadur Nepali, a dedicated cultural activist and writer, also contributed significantly to people's movements through his literary and organizational work. The event served to keep their messages of social justice and cultural expression alive for new audiences.
The gathering underscored the enduring relevance of art as a tool for social commentary and remembrance. By bringing together artists and union workers, the programme highlighted the continued intersection of cultural expression and labor rights, a cause dear to both honorees.
