2 May 2024: Civil society groups in Delhi have initiated the “Watan Ki Raah Mein, Samvidhan Bachao Nagrik Abhiyan,” a campaign aimed at defending the Constitution and Democracy against divisive forces. Launched both on the ground and online, the campaign seeks to combat hatred and communalism while emphasizing the power of citizens’ votes.
The campaign, spanning all seven constituencies of Delhi, aims to educate citizens about the significance of their votes and their ability to influence governmental policies. Central to its communication strategy is a two-page leaflet resembling a letter from a granddaughter to her grandmother, highlighting various national issues.
Notable speakers at the online launch included Prof. Mridula Mukherjee, Dr. Syeeda Hameed, Dr. John Dayal, and Prof. Gauhar Raza, who emphasized the importance of civil society’s role in safeguarding democracy. Prof. Mukherjee stressed the inseparable link between secularism and democracy, advocating for a “secular democracy.”
Dr. Hameed shared her personal connection with the campaign’s message, reflecting on her experiences with communal violence. Dr. Dayal raised concerns about recent attempts at polarization, including threats to Delhi schools, and reiterated the campaign’s commitment to informing and mobilizing voters.
Prof. Raza, the author of the campaign’s central letter, underscored the constitutional right to vote, urging citizens to exercise this privilege. Additionally, students and campaign volunteers shared their experiences and efforts, highlighting the campaign’s grassroots nature.
Anita Chettiar, Ayesha Khan, Mohd Taqi, and others shared ground campaign experiences from various constituencies, emphasizing the need for widespread participation. Leena Dabiru discussed the extensive data compiled for the campaign, mapping every single constituency to facilitate targeted outreach efforts.
Bhavna Sharma highlighted the voluntary nature of the initiative and invited further support, especially for leaflet printing. Shabnam Hashmi outlined additional campaign elements, including multimedia productions and social media initiatives, involving contributions from various individuals.
With a diverse array of supporters and volunteers, the “Samvidhan Bachao Nagrik Abhiyan” aims to make a significant impact ahead of the upcoming elections, resonating with citizens across Delhi and beyond.
