An evening of music and activism in Mumbai

Music and activism came together in a heady cocktail at the Carter Road amphitheatre in Bandra, as artistes after artistes, band after band, held the stage to denounce sectarian violence, bigotry and state-sponsored terrorism.

Organised under the umbrella of justice and peace for all (JAPA), a crowd of over a thousand cheered when the children from the Shivanshu group held the stage, their little voices asking why people cannot forget the divide of religion, caste and creed and be one. “We were expecting a good response as it was a Sunday, but what has happened here is beyond out imagination,” said activist Kamayani Mahabal who was also the show’s compère.

Bands such as Fusion XXXtra and Makeshift who rapped in Marathi got a thundering response, as people not only began whistling but also shaking a leg. One of the performers, Earnest, told DNA, “It is always a special feeling to perform before a live audience. But this is different. This audience has come here to be seen. They feel strongly about the cause, which is why they are here.”

“If we are able to raise awareness about the gross injustice done to Binayak Sen and others like him languishing in prison while scamsters are going scot-free, we will have achieved what we set out to do.”

Christopher Periera and his wife Jasanta had come all the way from Lokhandwala to watch the concert. “We grew up in Bandra and moved to Andheri a few years ago. What has been done to Carter Road is amazing. But its use for such a social cause and yet in such an entertaining matter is truly great,” said Jasanta who broke into a dance when the children from the Shivanshu group were singing.

Others like Jayawanti Shah and her daughter-in-law Jugnu had simply stopped by on their evening walk to take in what was going on. Jugnu said, “We thought of staying only for a few minutes. But we both are finding it difficult to leave. Ba is enjoying more than me.”