Now, it’s time for you to give back: Deepika Govind

Bangalore-based fashion designer Deepika Govind has been conscious about giving back to the community.

Her fashion repertoire is based on that idea of environmental and social responsibility. It’s but natural that in this moment in time, when every citizen is standing up and asking to be counted, she has a very mature take on the movement against corruption, led by Anna Hazare. Here’s what she has to say...

For one thing, I am extraordinarily happy and excited to see this movement grow and take this form. Our country is unique and it has made me proud the way we have asked for our rights through peaceful protests.

 I have immense respect for Anna and I admire him for the monumental work he has done through his activism, not only against corruption, but also previously in his village and his district.

However, we Indians have a tendency to idolise people. And when we do that, the idol’s absence takes a toll on the movement.

So we need to take this movement to its logical conclusion. We have to strive now for an effective Jan Lokpal Bill that helps us tackle corruption irrespective of the governments that come to power. It should stand its ground.

 We needed Anna to be the catalyst. Most educated, urban professionals do not take to the streets on issues that affect them. We need someone to show us the path. And Anna did it.
 
I was at the Freedom Park on August 17. It brought tears to my eyes. There were auto rickshaw drivers standing next to IIM professors, there were businessmen standing next to technocrats.

We found a single voice despite our differences. It is one of the most amazing moments of Indian history. The movement has been shaped by educated professionals and we need more such people to be part of it. We can’t blame anybody tomorrow, if we do not face this moment in history.

However, I didn’t see many ‘designer bag ladies’. The lower middle class and the middle class, educated professionals were all there. But unlike in other places like Delhi, the elite were missing in Bangalore.

Today, if you are safe and enjoy freedom, it’s because somebody else did it for you. Now, it’s time for you to give back. Let’s be there and participate. Let us make this happen.