Mujhe Manzoor Nahi: Anti-CAA Protesters Go Into Creative Overdrive With Poetry & Songs

The fire that started from the North East region of India is spreading to the entire country. People are taking to the streets, protesting against the recently passed Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA), the National Register of Citizens (NRC) along with the police brutality in UP, Delhi and Karnataka. They are standing in solidarity with students from Jamia Milia University and Aligarh Muslim University following the police assault during the protests. 

In a show of resistance and dissent, the protestors have channelised their anger against the government by writing poems, performing thought-provoking verses and have composed songs to mobilise the masses. They are openly criticising the government’s policies and decision-making, saying that religion doesn’t divide us, in fact, our Indianess unites us. 

Apart from protestors showing their unwavering determination, there is another thing that has been a constant. And that is the sharp wit we’ve seen in their poetry and slogans. Take a look at how protesters are bringing out their A-game with #sarcasmonoint.

Making art and not war, the protestors came out and sang songs and wrote poetry to channelise their anger.

From powerful Urdu shayari and freedom songs which called for freedom from tyranny, people shared heartwrenching words to put their feelings into pieces of art.

“Mitti ko kaise baatoge, sabka hee khoon toh shaamil hai.”

Comedian, writer, poet, and lyricist, Varun Grover shared a poem called Kaagaz Nahi Dikhayenge, talking about how he and others are not going to submit the NRC papers to the government. He talks about our freedom fighters and how everyone’s blood and sweat went into making this country what it is today and hence, divisive politics to segregate people on the basis of religion and caste isn’t possible.  

“Mujhe manzoor nahi”

This poetry by one protestor, Amir at Jantar Mantar summed up what everyone there was feeling. He talks about how this is his country and it was his ancestors who gave it to him, he didn’t have to beg anyone for it. He writes, “Meri jaan ka faisla ek saat ghante ki sansad satra se ho, mujhe manzoor nahi.”

Inquilab Zindabad

It was the girls at Jamia Millia Islamia University who emerged as the heroes of the day. They gave speeches and videos showed them saving their friend as the police lathi-charged him on the campus. The two women who have become icons of the protests are Ayesha Renna and Ladeeda Farzana and their courage has inspired the entire country. This poem is dedicated to the girls of JMI.

Azadi, azadi, pyaari pyaari azadi

This one addresses the nation’s cries for a country free of discrimination, issues like caste-based politics, divisive governance and persecution of minorities. 

Sabko chahiye poorna swaraj!

This rap song talks about how people want poorna swaraj or complete freedom from the government of the country. It also addresses the lathi-charge on Jamia students and how the media has been bought. It also calls for people to go and protest against the atrocities in the country.

The Tiranga will fly high

Dedicating their songs to this great nation, students and protestors even sang the popular song Saare Jahan Se Achha, Hindostan Humara. People read out the Preamble in different parts of the country and pledged to uphold the Constitution. 

Protest music has been around since time immemorial with icons like John Lennon singing ‘Imagine all the people, living life in peace’ and Dylan performing his famous anti-war anthem Blowin’ In The Wind. It’s heartwarming to see people voicing their opinions through art. What’s more impressive is that some of these were not even witty but simple and on point, capturing the essence of anti-CAA protests. We are sure some of these would be remembered for times to come.

Featured Image: Huffington Post, New Indian Express

We’re closing the decade with #POPxoLucky2020, a whole season of exciting surprises every day! Also, don’t miss the new POPxo Zodiac Collection with notebooks, phone covers and magic mugs that’re fun, fab and 100% you! Psst… there’s an additional 20% off too, so head to POPxo.com/shopzodiac and take it up a POP!