Please forward

Dear Friends, we at Sahmat have been talking about how the creative community can make some statement on the Gujarat situation. We have already raised funds through exhibitions and performances, but over discussions thought some kind of a statement and collective meeting (maybe in Delhi) would make some impact.

Initially the idea was that Gujarati's come together and make a call for peace, justice and rehabilitation. But I have been speaking with (in person and phone and e mail) with many of you ...David Abraham, Dadi Padamjee, Pushpamala, Sujata Kesavan, Rekha Rodwittiya.....any number of others....and it struck me that there are so many people from all over India who have studied at art and architecture institutions in Gujarat in the last 30 - 40 years (or taught there)...who are major figures in our contemporary culture, that a collective statement going out from them too would have a tremendous impact. NID, CEPT, MS University Baroda, Darpana, Kumudini Lakhia's school.....classical musicians, Dastkar etc. etc........so many institutions have produced so many of our finest contemporary cultural minds who are now scattered all over the world. A contemporary cultural statement or plea to bring back the rule of law and a healing hand may mean something???

I'm just sending this out for reactions and as a sounding board for you to react to. Please forward this to all your fellow students, teachers etc. and let's see if we can gather some creative energy for something...Artists Against Communalism...or something!!!!

Warmest, Ram , ramrahman@yahoo.com