Ok, this is a long read. Reflection on the AKKA drama and my thoughts beyond the play, so be patient and read with an open mind please.... What a brilliant show Selva and his team achieved with AKKA last Saturday. Fact is, the drama was fun, filled with laughter and kudos to the team for putting up such a brilliant program. The Thirunangai sisters who have never acted before showcased an amazing knack for acting and were so comfortable on stage. For Gayathri, Sajini and I, the last 15 to 20 mins of the drama was profound. Everyone in that auditorium leaned forward in their seats in anticipation, one hand having their nails bitten off and the other holding a tissue to wipe away that tear that didn’t want to stay in the eye. My beloved sister Sandhya Thomas showcased a stellar performance. In fact, having had the blessings of knowing Sandhya akka for a while now, I related to a lot of the material from the show as testaments from her own life. What others heard as a scripted play, I saw a group of ladies drizzle their reality with jokes and laughter so that the audience can stomach their otherwise reality. It would indeed be impossible otherwise, wouldn’t it? Now that it is over, what now? The fact is that the audience who attended the showcase not only walk away thinking it was a brilliant show but instead walk away having the knowledge of what Thirunangai sisters face in this merciless world. So moving forward the question that comes to my mind is, as we rattle on about what a brilliant show we attended, are we still going to continue to be spectators? What you witnessed in the drama was not just scripts guys, it was the lives and battles of actual people. People who live amongst us. The people who feel the same emotions as you and I do, and the need to feel love and affection as you and I need. Knowledge is power isn’t it? We now have the power to make that change to help our thirunangai community to what they have the right to be. Happy. Gayathri and I have known Sandhya akka for a while now. She has shared with us numerous stories, which a small fraction of which was translated into the drama. She is an amazing lady who has unparalleled leadership potential. Fyi, Sandhya akka has a diploma in Engineering and has been trying very hard to make a change for the thirunangai community. This year with Sister Sandhya’s help, Gayathri and I went about the red light districts distributing flowers on Valentine’s day to let them know there are beautiful and that they matter. Its not a big deal but it is a start... Moving forward, we are going to be formulating sustainable activities to empower these sisters with the ability to get jobs and get accepted. We are hoping Sandhya akka would spearhead this project. Our first task, is look into getting these sisters employed or to get them armed with the skills to get employed. For those reading this and as a start, the next time you see a thirunangai sister along the road while you are shopping, smile and say hi instead of pointing them out. I have always believed that is is everyone’s right to be happy, regardless of how one defines that happiness. It’s about time they walk with their heads held high. If you have a job to offer, even better... Let He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her. John 8:7 To summarize, the drama was fantastic and the standing ovation at the ends of all the 3 days of performances are a reflection of the grandeur and professionalism of the play. But now, let’s be part of the change! Love. Laughter. God! Pranams Priveen & Gayathri
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 04:54:22 +0000