How Gujarat mocks itself

Gujarat is one of the more progressive, developed and liberal states of India. But the name currently evokes horrific images of rioting mobs, savage barbarism, and an indifferent and partisan administration.

In the Gujarat of yore, a woman could move alone at night without harm. Now women are pulled out of their homes by their breasts, while the custodians of law look the other way. Gujarat was the shining example of self reliance, where

India8217;s best known indigenous self-help and development movement started in the form of milk cooperatives.

The same Gujarat has to now look to foreign agencies to help rebuild its houses and feed and clothe its newly created homeless. Gujarat8217;s famous bandhini fabrics have captivating colours. Deep reds, yellows, ochres, oranges. Now they represent to me hues of blood, mixed at various places with the colour of people8217;s huts that were burnt down and butchered, burnt flesh. The bandhini design represents holes in society, threatening to tear the fabric apart. Gujarat is known for its beautiful garba dance, held through nine holy nights. Now only the God of Death dances day and night, his appetite still not satiated.