Thinking Mind: Sahir Raza addressing Carmel girls photo by dharmender ruhil

Flattened brick homes. The remains of a church. Fishing boats piled up in stacks. Row upon row of brand new tents without occupants --pictures from tsunami-affected Tamil Nadu and the Andamans.

On February 11, Sahir Raza, a first year student of Delhi University, unveiled his photographs for the first time at a workshop organised under Tehelka’s Social Responsibility Initiative (SRI). He shared his experiences with the students of class XI Carmel Convent, Delhi. Sahir said, “I had to see (for myself)” the tragedy unleashed by the sea on December 26 last year.

In 2002, he had chronicled another tragedy – the anti-Muslim killings in Gujarat. His pictures, which he exhibited publicly, were a documentary of the bloodbath in the state. Sahir told the schoolgirls that while he was travelling in the tsunami areas, he couldn’t help but draw comparisons with Gujarat. Relief has poured into Tamil Nadu and other areas, but in Gujarat, even three months after, neither did the attacks stop nor did the authorities provide long-term relief and rehabilitation, he said.

For once the relief efforts have been effective post-tsunami. “Money has got through to the survivors,” he said. Already the next step of rehabilitating people who have lost their homes and livelihoods has begun, he pointed out. “Local communities are being consulted by both officials and NGOs on the best strategy for rehabilitation,” he confirmed.

The SRI workshops in schools are an attempt by Tehelka to get young people to think about the community. The project was launched in December 2004, and has produced a very enthusiastic response.

At Carmel Convent, the girls were animated and interactive. They were vocal about both their agreement and disagreement with whatever Sahir has to recount. There’s heated discussion over two points that he raised. He showed them picture proof of how the pernicious caste-system had crept into relief work. The camps for upper caste survivors were cleaner than for lower castes.

A second picture showed boys playing football outside a field of empty tents sent by a UK charity. Was it because the tents were inflammable and unfit for cooking, or because the survivors were mainly lower caste, Sahir wondered? “Maybe the officials didn’t want the tents to be spoilt,” he suggested. “You are seeing politics in everything,” a girl countered. “My understanding is like yours. Remember I am only two years older,” he shot back.

The clash was equally loud a second time. Sahir said there were heaps and heaps of old clothes lying around that the survivors have no use for. “The fisherfolk were a very prosperous community before December 26. Don’t expect them to wear your old clothes,” he pointed out. The girls were indignant. They talked all together in condemnation. How can people who’ve lost everything be choosy, was their question? However, Sahir was adamant. “I can bet that if something were to happen in Delhi tomorrow, none of you would wear old clothes,” he insisted.

Before the workshop, a few girls were interviewed on camera, on their dreams and views on citizenship. The AV was played back at the workshop. The students were outspoken and honest. “I’m studying to be an engineer,” said a girl. “But I dream of becoming a fashion designer.” Another wanted to join the IFS and represent India abroad. “I have this urge to make everyone realise that India is not an underdeveloped country,” she said.

What will you do for India? “I will be a doctor. That is how I’m going to contribute to the country.” A student was convinced corruption was at the root of India’s underdevelopment. “Because of corrupt people our country hasn’t been able to develop. They can be changed.” A girl who wants to be a civil servant said, “I feel bureaucrats have done nothing for India. Corruption is everywhere.” However, overall they are optimistic about change. “I want to change the outlook of the government.”

Only one girl wanted to be a politician. No one believed that they ever delivered on the promises that they make. “Basically politicians want power; they are there for it (power),” according to a student. There were many more students who wanted to be doctors when they grow up. Media and civil were the other popular professions. One girl wanted to be an economist like her role model, Amartya Sen. “Apart from the money, I can contribute to the development of India like Amartya Sen,” she said. There were other role models, closer to home like fathers and mothers. An aspiring journalist identified Barkha Dutt as her hero. The only politician who made it to the list of role models at Carmel was Indira Gandhi.

Each student aired an independent opinion. No one was tongue-tied. Everyone joined in the singing at the end led by Valentine Shipley, ex-member of Silk Route, a well-known Delhi-based rock group, who is part of the SRI team. The girls clapped madly as his booming voice and guitar broke into “Dooba dooba rehta hoon …”