The Aftermath

Reema Anand’s Scorched White Lilies of ’84 recounts the emotional & traumatic struggles of the survivors of the carnage of ’84

What began as a series of interviews turned into a crusade,one that Reema Anand continues to take forward,inspiring others to be also part of the change. Writer,film-maker,journalist Reema brings together the emotions and traumas of the survivors of the ’84 carnage in her book ‘Scorched White Lilies of ’84’ published by Rupa. It all began with Reema interviewing those who had seen and lived the trauma of terrorism for the purpose of a book,”these girls,for the last 22 years had led a fragile existence,where lack of money had made them insecure and vulnerable. But I just couldn’t walk away from their situation and leave things as they were,” Reema began the ‘masala project’ as a process of rehabilitation,buying whole spices from wholesalers,getting a grinder and building a network for sale for them. In four years,what Reema helped them gain was their self-esteem,confidence and of course,some financial security. “They respond to nothing else but love,” and if one small project could rehabilitate 18 girls and their children at one period of time,why can’t the Sikh community join hands and rehabilitate families of those who suffered and are still suffering,questions the author,here for the Rupa Book Exhibition at the Punjab Kala Bhawan,Sector 16. The girls’ individual profiles,their struggles,setbacks…form the core of the book,as Reema now involves herself in making documentaries,the latest being Cancer Express,which highlights the rising number of cancer cases in the Malwa region.