[mobglob-discuss] (Van) May 12: Ghadr - Marking 150 Years of Anti-Colonial Resistance

[Harsha Walia]

Ghadar (1857 – 2007): Marking 150 Years of Anti-Colonial Resistance

Saturday May 12, 2007
Rhizome Café (317 East Broadway (near Main and Kingsway).
8:00 – 11:00 pm

Ghadar: The Hindi/Punjabi/Urdu word for 'rebellion'.  We use this word to
refer to the 1857 rebellion against the British in South Asia, and the
actions it has inspired since.

It has been 150 years since Indian members of the British East India
Company's army revolted. This grew into a full-fledged rebellion involving
large segments of India's population opposing the British, which was met
with unflinching brutality against civilian populations.  The Ghadar's
memory has continuously reinvigorated anti-colonial movements both in
South Asia and beyond. We use this term to highlight the flame of
resistance that led various segments of Indian society to reject and
oppose colonialism.

We wish to mark the anniversary of this fiery moment in anti-colonial
resistance not only to honour a historic event but to highlight the
importance of remembering the Ghadar as an ongoing mobilizing force
against neo-colonial and imperialistic ventures today.  In the spirit of
ongoing resistance, we share a night of music and poetry, including works
by Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Agha Shahid Ali, as well as performances by local
artists. We will also feature clips of Bollywood representations of the
Ghadar and an open mic for people to reflect on what the Ghadar means to
them today.

We hope you will join us to mark this anniversary and share in the spirit
of resistance.

Organized by a group of South Asian Youth
For more information:
Email uahmad at sfu.ca or gskambo1 at hotmail.com
Call 778 552 2099