CATEGORY : PHOTOGRAPHY/ DOCUMENTARY/ PHOTOJOURNALISM
SHAHEEN BAGH PROTESTS, 2019
A PHOTO SERIES
The Shaheen Bagh protests emerged as a significant socio-political movement in India, marking a pivotal moment in the country's recent history. Beginning in December 2019, the protests took shape in the Shaheen Bagh neighborhood of New Delhi, in response to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed by the Indian government. The CAA sparked widespread concern and opposition due to its perceived discriminatory nature, particularly regarding its impact on India's Muslim population.
Shaheen Bagh quickly became the epicenter of peaceful demonstrations, predominantly led by women, who gathered in large numbers to voice their dissent against the CAA, as well as the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Population Register (NPR). What made the protests distinctive was not only their duration but also their inclusive and grassroots nature, drawing participants from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and religious affiliations.
The movement garnered widespread attention both nationally and internationally, symbolizing not only resistance against perceived discriminatory policies but also a broader struggle for democracy, secularism, and social justice in India.
Amir Aziz delivering one of his most celebrated poems "Sab Yaad Rakha Jayega"
Despite facing various challenges, the spirit of resilience and peaceful resistance remained at the heart of the Shaheen Bagh protests. While the physical protests eventually came to an end due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown measures, their legacy continues to resonate, leaving a profound impact on India's political landscape and inspiring similar movements for social change worldwide.
