Community Correspondents

Ajeet Bahadur

Since I was young, I’ve been involved in many movements and this is why I consider myself an activist at heart. I have been engaged in the 1989 student movement that was defending students’ rights in the university. I also attempted to fight against the Ram Mandir Andolan movement in the 1990’s. Further, when Iraq was attacked by America, I went to the rally that took in place in protest in front of American Embassy in Delhi, and I was jailed for this action. I also involved myself at the local level. When the meja katai mill (cotton mill) in Allahabad was closed down, several labourers were jobless. So I engaged myself for the defence of labourers rights. Then, I took a role in every social movement that happened around me. I fought when the potatoes were rotting in the government stores. This situation was so unjust: the government was not able to distribute the potatoes, and the farmers were crying to sell their new potato harvest. There are many causes I am ready to fight for, but the ones that are closest to my heart are casteism and regionalism. I think my engagement results from my childhood: I saw curfews and murders, and my father struggling to get a job. I often slept with an empty stomach. I am also a drama activist, I organize street performance to mobilize the people in my community. Being a community Correspondent is a way to learn a new tool for activism, and to continue fighting for my community and beyond. What I prefer when shooting is to listen to people, all their stories and experiences. Joining Indiaunheard also gave me the opportunity to explore new places, and to learn a lot.

Videos from Ajeet

Price Rise Leaves Poor Hungry

 
/ January 21, 2011

Radical price rise of food drastically affects the lives of the poor in Allahabad.

Memorials of Freedom Fighters In Ruins

 
/ December 15, 2010

The city of Allahabad ignores the martyrs who fought for its independence. .

Clay Figurines: The Threatened Craft

 
/ December 2, 2010

Heritage craft of Lucknow, India needs patronage, preservation.

Eco-friendly Twist to Ancient Tradition

 
/ November 18, 2010

A spiritual leader from Fatehpur  modifies an ancient tradition of idol-immersion to beat pollution.

Childhood Confined To Four Walls

 
/ October 18, 2010

59 children in a government-run orphanage in India’s Allahabad await a new home and a better life.

Hijra LeaderTakes A Stand

 
/ September 24, 2010

Transgender rickshaw driver fights for his community, leads protests against corrupt police, municipal employees in India’s Allahabad.

Kajri – Voices OfLonely Women

 
/ September 13, 2010

Folk music ‘Kajri’ provides glimpses into the lives of ordinary women in rural India.

Slum Escapes Eviction

 
/ August 16, 2010

Legal intervention, sought by activists including our correspondent Ajeet Bahadur has helped 200 slum dwellers escape eviction in Allahabad.