South Asia Citizens Web

... The abrupt and unplanned lockdown with just four hours notice has imposed further inhuman miseries on the vast majority of our people. The plight of the migrants who continue to be tormented, anguished and keep losing lives through hunger, exhaustion and accidents is unbearable. The lockdown has neither strengthened our capacities to combat the pandemic nor has it provided any required relief to the people to survive in these conditions. ...

Badnam Basti’s fate is as chequered as its history. The 1971 Hindi film considered as India’s first movie depicting a homosexual relationship and thought to be lost, has emerged after 49 years of hiding in an archive in Berlin. It is one year short of celebrating half a century of obscurity.

We read about the death of a prisoner and spread of Covid-19 in Taloja jail. We asked our advocate Ms Padma K to call the Taloja jail authorities to enquire the health condition of our father Varavara Rao. When the advocate called, the staff of the Taloja jail picked up the phone but did not respond. We are very worried and anxious about our father’s well-being. In these dire circumstances of extreme worry, anxiety and helplessness, we would like to request you to kindly look into the matter and initiate proceedings to - Release Varavara Rao granting temporary bail or parole, on the grounds of age, health and covid-19 spread

The film is a spontaneous response to the irony of “STAY HOME, STAY SAFE” for millions of women in India and around the world. The film is adding its voice to a conversation that is much needed in the public space. It reminds us that speaking up is only possible when women know that there is someone listening. This pandemic has taught us that our lives are deeply intertwined, and so we must respond to the realities beyond ours.

Unilateral suspension of Labour Laws by the Government in India - The leading national trade unions have written to the Director-General of the ILO in Geneva and send all relevant documentation. The ILO has acknowledged the letter from the Unions saying it will take this up with the Govt of India.