War dancers to acrobats,all flock to Ramlila Maidan

“The police does not let us perform acrobatic anywhere. We are not educated and cannot afford to educate our children. From a very young age,all our children is learn how to walk on the rope. This is the only art we know. We have come here to support Anna so we can get relief from police atrocities,’’ said Kumar.

“We are arrested in every state we go to. We don’t have farmlands anymore and can’t hide in the jungles due to the unrest in our state,” said Dil Kumar,as he handed Kadma,small brass pots to balance on her head while she walked the rope.

“We will continue to come to Ramlila Maidan if we can. We want to end corruption,so we can go back to performing and doing what we love. We also want the benefits which we are entitled to but never get,’’ said Dil Kumar.

Also making their presence felt at the Maidan were 50 tribals from Kalahandi,Orissa. Ten male members of the group,dressed in colourful robes ,performed the traditional Ghumuru dance.

Markand Patnaik,who sings the specially composed song which the performers danced to said,“The Ghumuru has its roots in the Kalinga war. We are performing it because this is a struggle for our lives as well.”

Allowed entry into the allocated volunteer enclosure,they enthralled the crowds by performing immediately in front of the tents made for the crowds. Amit Tyagi,a volunteer said,“We gave them special permission because they wanted to perform in front of the crowds,and have come from so far off.”