An evening with the youth of Prerna Sangathan, Jogeshwari (Shaina Anand)

An evening with the youth of Prerna Sangathan, Jogeshwari

Director: Shaina Anand; Cinematographer: Shaina Anand

Duration: 00:40:09; Aspect Ratio: 1.333:1; Hue: 90.407; Saturation: 0.035; Lightness: 0.140; Volume: 0.243; Cuts per Minute: 0.299; Words per Minute: 118.222

Prerna youth work out of a small community centre called Prerna Vachnalaya (library) in Jogeshwari. They meet in the evenings to discuss local and global issues. They were active during the post 9/11 protests and dissent in the city. Performed several street plays on the war in Afghanistan, Iraq etc.

Chandrakant - In Jogeshwari locality, Prerna is a working class related youth organization in which the members are more or less, the unemployed, the employed and the 'students' . Here, the participation of both boys and girls is equally important, and this organization has been started so that, both get together and work towards the growth of the working class.
Chandrakant talks about the NGO Prerna, Mumbai. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
boys
employed
equality
gender
girls
growth
job
jogeshwari
library
organization
participation
together
work
working class
Mumbai
area
local
members
ngo
prerna
students
unemployed
volunteers
workers
youth
marathi
2001
Prerna Vachnalaya, Jogeshwari, Mumbai
anti terrorism
change
defense
economic
effects
enlighten
exploitation
fanatics
goal
government
ideologies
marxist
phule
prerna
socialism
struggle
vajpayee government
volunteers
war
workers
working class

Chandrakant -Working at the local level, we realize that the students , the employed have issues, along with that, there are issues concerning women. So we are looking at these people as the exploited class. Exploited because, today we see the imperialist countries have attained a dominating power over this country, and the way in which these exploiting upper class rulers, in the name of religion, of caste, are through different mediums, beguiling the citizens of this country. For the last 50 years, in the name of freedom, the administrative groups are taking advantage of their authority, but in reality no one has done anything for the rights of the citizens. So we, inspired by the ideals of Phule , Ambedkar , Marx, we feel like doing something for the exploited people by inspiring them in return, and so our conflict is going on.
In the Vachnalaya (library) of the organization Prerna, Chandrakant explains the ideologies and inspirations of Prerna.
Related Links :
administration
ambedkar
case
class
conflict
exploited
freedom
ideals
independence
inspire
level
lower-class
mahatma phule
media
misguide
power
rule
struggle
women
abuse
advantage
authority
capitalists
citizens
communist
countries
dominate
domination
exploit
ideologies
imperialist
india
inspiration
misuse
nation
opinions
principles
proletariat
religion
socialists
upper-class
use
views

Chandrakant -And when we work with this motto, we realize that, there are certain issues at the global or even national level that affect the common man in various different ways. That is why when America raised the idea of destroying terrorism globally and seeing the effects following the 9/11 incident, and the way in which the war in Afghanistan was fought, we felt for the people there, as they too were being exploited by the ruling authorities. Based on Marx and Lenin's principles, we saw that, the working class was being exploited by the capitalists in the name of religion. The state of Afghanistan was sidelined as an Islamic state, when the Muslims in India, raised their voice against the injustice of America, they were accused of being Islamic and hence, supporting Islamic states and thereby opposing America.
Chandrakant talks about America and its strategies post September 11 and the resulting situation of the Muslims. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
9/11
9th september 2001
2001
Afghanistan
America
India
accuse
afghanistan
aim
america
blame
common
country
exploitation
global
injustice
islam
karl marx
lenin
lower -class
marx
motto
muslims
national
raise
responsible
sideline
state
support
sympathy
terrorism
terrorists
unfair
vladimir lenin
war
working class
actions
fight
oppose
thoughts

As Chandrakant continues talking to the interviewers, the camera pans left to show other members present and then pans right, back to Chandrakant. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
Chandrakant - This is wrong. And so where ever we feel we can oppose this ruling empire, we will do so. Also, we are taking a stand of completely opposing the administration working under the power and influence of the upper class.
administration
against
below
empire
establish
influence
power
rule
stand
upper class
work
wrong
camera
ngo
organization
pan

Bhanudas - Not only America, but also first opposing the Indian government, which voluntarily offered a helping hand, even when the citizens of this country were not 'committing' their support.
Camera pans left to Bhanudas, one of Prerna's workers. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
citizens
india
support
America
government
america

Camera pans right and camera person encourages Rashmi, one of Prerna's workers to share her thoughts regarding America and its actions post 9/11, and why they oppose the Taliban government. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
SA - Rashmi?
Rashmi- The other thing is, everybody knows that, America has taken upon itself the role of a 'Big Brother', it assumes that is it the Boss (Dada) of the world. But with the attack on 9th September, America's arrogance and pride was challenged and it realized that others are quite capable of standing up against it, and that it is not invincible. America is conveniently ignoring its past, where it has attacked and destroyed many a country in war, but with the attack on its World Trade Center and Pentagon , it is our to declare the whole world a Terrorist. We are against this act of America. Similarly,we also oppose the Taliban government, which is forcing religion on the people of Afghanistan. But, America till now, on one hand is destroying Afghanistan, and on the other hand is distributing food packets to the people to show sympathy and prove that they are good humans. This is also not acceptable.
9/11
11th september 2001
2001
accept
against
attack
authority
country world trade center
destroy
distribute
dominate
domination
food
invincible
overpower
packets
pentagon
power
religion
rule
sympathy
taliban
terrorism
terrorists
war
Afghanistan
afghanistan

Camera pans right and slightly tracks in onto Manish, a student working with Prerna, who explains his opinion about why America fought the war with Afghanistan. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
Manish -Along with this we are also trying to expose all the real reasons, as in politics behind this to the people. For instance, America's real interest behind the war, is to capture the natural, oil wells of Afghanistan, and control it. So we are trying to expose this truth to the general public who is still not aware of it.
arab
capture
countries
expose
interest
oil
people
public
real
reality
reasons
reserves
unaware
wells
work

Manish - But the problem we face in spreading this message, is that the youth of today is going in a direction that is filled with slavery, and has generated so much of helplessness. The youth is under the influence of the media and for us it is a challenge and a warning, that is to guide the youth in the right direction. We believe this to be one of Prerna's duties.
Manish talks about its goals regarding the youth and the problems it faces in meeting this goal. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
aim
challenge
direction
duties
goal
helpless
influence
media
meet
message
right
slavery
spread
warning
way
problems
youth

Camera pans left and zooms in on Mahesh. While Mahesh, who works with Prerna, is expressing his opinions about the Indian government, the camera zooms out. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
Mahesh - Secondly, it is said that it is a poor country of the rich. there are a lot of problems in India. Besides poverty, unemployment, education are a few of the problems. As a result the youth turns towards gundagiri (crime). People don't realize that the government spends mostly on upgrading the Defense strategies, while the real important issues like, education, unemployment, why people are still living below poverty lines, are all left ignored, all the efforts are channeled in fighting terrorists, who , according to them are the Muslims. It is not kept in mind that this religious group has not received justice and fair representation . The Muslims have become like a 'target group'. Just because a special, particular group had attacked America, all Muslims, especially the Indian Muslims, are being held responsible. Its is mostly, unemployment, people are not getting proper education, are not getting jobs, and hence are turning to crime. The truth is if the Indian government tackles this issue, by channeling efforts to solve these issues, we wont need to be defended as terrorism itself will not exist.
India
budget
class
crime
criminals
defense
dolly
economic
education
employment
expenditure
face
fight
government
group
india
injustice
issue
justice
literacy
literate
money
muslims
poor
poverty
reality
reason
religion
responsible
rich
spend
strategies
tackle
target
terrorism
terrorists
truth
unemployment
unfair
zoom out
America
attack

Lebanon
Mahesh -There are so many countries, Palestine and Lebanon, in which, because of America, life of people has become hell. when America was attacked, people of Palestine actually distributed sweets for they knew that America was going through the same things it had made them go through. It is said in Marathi, 'Jyachi jaltey, tyalach kaltey' (the one who is burning truly knows the pain). America realized that it is now under threat, so it is going around proclaiming countries and people as terrorists and trying to save itself from threat by destroying them.
Mahesh expresses his views on America. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
Palestine
america
burn
claim
destroy
distribute
hell
hurt
language
lebanon
life
marathi
pain
palestine
people
phrase
save
sweets
threat
war
country

Mahesh - And India started following that American move. Also, India has these various religious-political organizations, like the
RSS:Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), etc, which try to influence the youth by instilling fear in the youth by telling them that the freedom of the country is in their hands. The safety of the country is important, and that the youth, should stand up and fight for their mother country. And they slowly guide these youth against the Muslims. Once again the real basic issues of education and employment are ignored. Nobody seems to be telling the youth who is their real enemy. And we at Prerna are trying to enlighten the citizens regarding these issues.
Mahesh explains why he thinks religious-political organizations in India should be banned. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
India
allies
ban
basic
bjp
citizens
education
employment
enemy
enlighten
extremists
fanatics
fear
guide
hindutva
islam
issues
misguide
mother
muslims
necessity
parties
political
rashtriya swayamsewak sangh
religious
rss
safety
vhp
vishwa hindu parishad
reality
truth
youth

Bhanudas - One more thing is, even after having an investigation agency like the CIA in America, nobody has manged to clear the truth about Laden . The 'media' diverted the attention to Laden by giving him a lot of 'coverage', and turned him into a 'hero'. Like this only, in case of India, one can clearly see that America is wants to establish its imperial power her. So we, in our own way, using our street plays, by doing things, different things that we are capable of, are trying to bring together the youth of the country, at least the youth Mumbai, which we are starting from our Jogeshwari.
Camera pans right to Bhanudas, who works with Prerna. Bhanudas. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
cia
coverage
crime
empire
establish
imperial
jogeshwari
media
mumbai
power
street plays
together
america
capture
hero
india
osama bin laden

Camera pans right to Manoj Salgaonkar, one of Prerna's workers, who expresses his view on America and its strategies. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
Manoj Salgaonkar - And like Bhanudas just said, America is turned Laden into a hero. But they have made it clear that, even if they find Laden, they will not stop the war. Which clearly means that they don't want Laden, but they want Afghanistan. They want the oil well, the oil industries of Afghanistan. So Taliban is not their target. Their target is the entire Arab country. Right now the currency of the Arab country is the largest currency, so this affects the American market. As a result, this makes a direct difference to America, and that is something that the Muslims of India and Pakistan have realized.
Afghanistan
India
Pakistan
affect
afghanistan
arab
caught
currency
economy
effect
industries
market
muslims
natural
oil
pakistan
realize
reserves
taliban
terrorist
war
wells
government

Andheri
As Bhanudas (B) and Manish (M), who work with Prerna, being to express their views about the effects of 9/11 on Mumbai, the camera Pans left to right, to show each of them one by one. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
Bhanudas - The effect of 9/11 was directly seen in Mumbai. what is noticed was that, in the Andheri, SEEPZ area, where I work, people were asked to leave companies and most of the companies were shut down. Some were given a leave of 15-20 days.....
Manish -The people working for Air India were removed.
B - .....were removed.
(female voice) - forty thousand people....
B - ...Now people are being given lay-offs.....
M -...its like now we really cant call this government a democracy.
B - ...incidents like, completely locking a company up, also took place in the area like SEEPZ, Andheri. And now the system of lay-off and VRS (voluntary retirement scheme), have been started. as a result there are now a lot of people without jobs.
SEEPZ
9/11
air india
airlines
andheri
close
companies
days
democracy
expel
forty thousand
jobless
jobs
lay-off
leave
mumbai
number
people
retirement
scheme
seepz
september 2001
shut
time
unemployed
unemployment
vrs

Camera pans left. Mahesh begins to explain POTO (Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance). The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
Mahesh - The Indian government has crossed a limit with national security so as to free India and the world from terrorism. In relation to this, the Indian government has 'implemented' a new law called the POTO (Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance) . So even organizations which are truly working for the upliftment of common public, who are fighting against the corrupt systems, under this law, stand to be banned. Newspapers will also be banned. So the Indian government is of the opinion that with the introduction of such a law,, it will be able to curb terrorism in our country and make the country secure. As a result our freedom of expression will be at stake. One will not be able to say anything, express his thoughts. If he does, then he is bound to be pronounced a terrorist or the organization will be banned.
2002
acts
corrupt
freedom
freedom of expression
implement
introduce
newspapers
ordinances
pota
poto
secure
system
terrorism
upliftment
India

Manish - One can actually see how they are pimping for these imperialist countries. The process, started by Vajpayee government [http://www.aicc.org.in/hindi/documents-detail.php?id=8 , of completely trying to instill imperialist policies, is terrible and the result of this is going to be worse in the coming days.
One of Prerna's workers, Manish, gives out his view on the Vajpayee government. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
america
atal bihari vajpayee
bjp
condition
countries
country
imperialist
instill
pimp
policies
practice
result
vajpayee
worse
force

Camera pans right to Chandrakant, Prerna's worker. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
Chandrakant -This is happening in all fields . They are replacing Marathi language by giving an option to choose between subjects Marathi and Information technology. This is just a form of imposition. Just the way centuries ago, the original inhabitants were imposed upon, for instance in the case of the Aryans forced their rule on the local Adivasis(tribes). This is another form of enforcement, where 'multinational companies' come into India, along with them comes their culture and destroys the Indian culture by misusing the Media here. Also introducing subjects in the education system that change the education system. There is no education that people really need. So basically, people are being educated only according to the jobs that will be available in these companies. For example, people should 'compulsorily' know how to use a 'computer'. So education will be to produce people with those skills that the workers in these companies are expected to have. So this education is, basically, for us to turn into their slaves, and slaves of their companies.
abuse
adivasis
aryans
bias
choose
companies
compulsory
computer
culture
economic
educate
education
enforcement
fields
glottalization
impose
information
inhabitants
introduce
it
jobs
knowledge
language
marathi
media
misuse
mnc
multinational
option
original
reforms
skills
slaves
subjects
systems
technology
traditional
tribes
western
india
people

Chandrakant -Our so called government, if I can call it 'our government', according to me, can see whatever is happening, but have come into power only to be the agents of these capitalist empires. They don't hear the people's questions at all!
Chandrakant, Prerna's worker expresses his view on the Indian government. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
agents
capitalist
empires
government
ideologies
ignore
imperialist
issues
karl
lenin
marx
principles
problems
pwer

Camera pans from Chandrakant to Manish and then cuts to Interviewer Nikhil Anand (NA). He asks a question about POTO and and police action taken against Prerna's workers, to which some of the members of Prerna narrate the incident. And camera person Shaina Anand(SA) inquires about IPC 151. camera pans to whichever member narrating the incident. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
Ghatkopar
Nikhil Anand- an issue related to POTO(Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance) http://www.vakilno1.com/bareacts/Prevention-Of-Terrorism-Act-%202002/Prevention-of-Terrorism-Act-2002.htm was raised sometime back...there was some camp organized, somewhere in Ghatkopar or in some other place, where the police had beaten up people?...
Bhanudas (B)- our members had been beaten up.
NA- there, what was the program about and what happened there?
(Male Voice)- it wasn't in Ghatkopar, it happened in Jogeshwari.
B- it wasn't a program...we took a protest march to the police station. What had happened was, seven to eight of our members had been roaming in Jogeshwari at 11-11:30 in the night. The police caught them and...
(Female Voice)- they were taken to the police station and were beaten up.
B- ...were beaten up.
Chandrakant (C) - they put a 151 on him...(Indian Penal Code 151) http://www.vakilno1.com/bareacts/IndianPenalCode/S151.htm
Shaina Anand - what is 151?
C - - as in being caught under suspicion
NA- so the police knew that the members had taken a program there, or....
Chandrakant - no no...
Manish - they were just taking a walk after dinner at 11:30
they were just caught without reason. They just happened to be
walking when the police came there. The police started abusing them. The members asked those policemen,as to they were hitting them. At that the police got angry, asked them how dare they ask that question to a police man and so they started hitting with their sticks. So we again asked them the reason for us being hit like that and offered to go to the police station to sort the matter. But when we went there, the problem became worse. We were 8 people of which the two who were talking were taken inside, and the remaining 6 of us were told to not come inside at all. Of those two men, one was brutally beaten up by an inspector. The havaldaar must have told him something like,'he was standing out and doing something...'and this inspector, who was really hefty, refused to hear or see anything, and started hitting that member, who is extremely thin. He kept hitting him till he was tired. Then , he asked properly what that member had been doing, to which he was told that they had been simply walking. That's when he realized that he was wrong. But he still took them inside, and he and the havaldaars kept hitting them.
When our members told them that they were working or studying, those policemen told them to stop doing that and asked them to become criminals instead as they was no use of working, and so that they can also get something to do.
act
anger
angry
ask
baton
camp
crime
criminals
dare
demand
dinner
exhausted
ghatkopar
havaldaar
hefty
huge
indian penal code
injustice
inquire
inside
ipc
issue
jogeshwari
matter sort
night
offer
ordinance
organize
overpower
police brutality
policemen
pota
poto
realize
reason
refuse
station
sticks
stroll
strong
students
studying
thin
time
tired
walk
weak
well-built
working
worse
India
151
abuse
action
assault
beat
harass
hit
incident
law
march
physical
police
program
protest
section
suspicion

Britain
Manish - After this incident, along with our comrades, we gave them money for the receipt, fine....
Chandrakant- paid off the fine that they had put on them according to IPC 151. then the next day we planned to take a protest march against the police, as this behavior of the police was not acceptable. It is written in the Indian constitution that any man is allowed to roam anywhere at any time. So who is the police to stop them? Besides, one is allowed to answer their questions, but in spite of them telling that they had just finished a meeting and were heading home, they still took them inside and started assaulting them. What right do they have to hit people?....so we took the protest march. Went and spoke to the ACP, met the Home Minister. They did release the suspicion order, but did not follow up on it...however, in this area, two-three such incidents took place again. That is when we got together people of 7-8 committees and organizations to make a plan.
Manish - We made the people of this area realize the nature of the police and the fact that how even in today's age, the laws and strategies of the British empire are still being used. This we propagated to the people.
Nikhil Anand-144 (IPC) http://www.vakilno1.com/bareacts/IndianPenalCode/S144.htm or 151, all are the same....
Manish and Chandrakant continue narrating the incident when police took action against some Prerna workers. Camera pans between Manish and Chandrakant. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
144
acceptable
acp
allow
answer
assistant
begin
behavior
british empire
code
commissioner
committees
comrades
constitution
fine
finish
follow-up
free
friends
government
heading
home
home minister
indian
ipc 151
laws
man
meet
meeting
money
narrate
nature
order
penal
penalty
plan
propagate
protest march
questions
receipt
roam
rule
start
stop
strategies
towards
unjust
rights

Camera Pans to interviewer Nikhil Anand (NA) who inquires about the programs taken up by Prerna post 9/11. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
NA - After the incident that took place on Sept.11, there must have been a new program that was started here, either for studies and discussions, and for programs for the outsiders as well. so tell us what has been happening in Prerna after Sept 11...
Chandrakant - after that, a forum had been started here by the Organization for Democratic Rights, against the imperialist rule of America. We Prerna members had participated in that forum. So we held programs in different parts of Mumbai, where we used to give out pamphlets, sing awareness songs, shout out slogans against American Terrorism. once a week these programs were held. We would give out the pamphlets to people on (railway) stations, but weren't quite able to take this program to the people of this area. We also have discussions among ourselves about this issue. Also now recently, we are taking a stand against people who are substituting the Marathi subject with IT.
9/11
11th september
2001
America
america
awareness
democracy
discussions
forum
groups
imperial rule
information
issue
language
location
mumbai
outsiders
pamphlets
paper
participate
plans
programs
railway
shout
sing
slogans
songs
station
studies
substitute
technology
terrorism
unable
undertakings
area
citizens
people
stand

Bhanudas - We have noticed that whenever we have participated in a movement, very few people, who had ideologies that we follow, participated with us. So our morale goes down when we see such few people fighting for something. And mostly the older generations seem to be involved in this process. And the main point behind this reason, our work has never started from the local level, by keeping the local people as targets. hence the youth has never come together. The youth of this locality has never been brought together for any work. So our main aim from now on , is to struggle to get the youth together for a cause.
Camera zooms in on Bhanudas when he starts to explain the problem that Prerna faces concerning the youth. Camera zooms out towards the end. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
cause
few
fighting
ideologies
involve
local
locality
morale
old
older
participation
point
process
reason
same
similar
start
struggle
together
work
generation
movement
youth

Camera pans. Sachin validates the reason why he thinks the youth plays and important role in any change. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
Sachin - We have noticed that whenever there has been a war, riot or any kind of movement, the youth has played a big role in it. But the situation till now has been that the truth has never come out. So the youth has just been used by people for their politics. So the role of the youth, which does know the reality, is to pass on the truth to generation, to tell them the reality behind the politics. Bring out the reality behind the people who manipulate truth and religion for politics.
abuse
change
huge
importance
manipulate
misuse
pass-on
politics
reality
religion
revolution
riot
role
truth
war

India
Mahesh - Now everybody will be having this question in their minds, but no one will be wanting to ask it directly in your face. you to show what all is happening in different fields, and where all are these effects being seen, what all is happening - show, about people, to the people. It is said that these documentary films are made, given to NGO 's and they earn money from it. So the question is what is the point of these documentary 'films' where, people are gathered for interviews, which are then screened abroad to show what is happening in India, in Mumbai, how people are standing up against the system. Again this seems merely like a method to earn money. So is it that you really want to do something through this film that enlightens people, and makes them think about doing something in life, like standing up against this system?
Mahesh asks a question on behalf of everyone. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
against
answer
ask
condition
earn
effects
enlighten
express
fields
fight
gather
india
inquire
interviews
life
method
money
paid
people
question
screen abroad
stand
struggle
system
together
way
documentary
films

Bhanudas -Just as these documentary films are made, there was this Vaikalpik Video Festival that was organized in Andheri by an NGO. There, they screened a lot of films that have been made, like on riots etc.
Bhanudas talks about a video festival. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
Andheri
andheri
festival
other
riots
screen
subjects
video
vikalp

A Prerna workers introduces himself. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
- Satish Sarang (SS), is (my) name.
NA- and Prerna (inspiration)?
SS- organization Prerna, Jogeshwari.
SA- no, no....what is your Prerna (inspiration)?
(Female Voice)- he is new here....
SS- I m new, that is why...
action
encouragement
inspiration
introduction
opinions
thoughts
views
saathi

Camera pans as a Prerna worker introduces himself and talks about his inspirations. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
-My name is Mahesh (M) , Prerna Saathi. Right now I m studying in my third year (college) and plus (doing my) job.
SA - and what do you want to say....about this Prerna film and otherwise?
M- nothing much ....just that continue your good work....
SA- no not about our work....as in what is your Prerna....what is the hope for...
M- just that a year back I was nothing . But from the time I have joined Prerna, I have become something as I have now understood what my real needs and problems are, and that they are not limited to my personal life but are also related to the outside world. I owe the society something. So I feel that our youth group should work at the Bombay level. And that the awareness programs spread like culture. That is my Prerna.
awareness
college
fight
group
job
life
limit
mumbai
needs
personal
problems
programs
real
self
spread
struggle
students
understand
world
youth
level
work

- Im Shailaja, Prerna Saathi. I go for work at SEEPZ. Just the way I have been inspired after joining this organization Prerna, I want to inspire people at a local level.
Camera pans as a Prerna worker introduces herself and talks about her inspirations. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
Andheri
SEEPZ Mumbai
area
inspire
join
local
participate
people
seepz

Camera pans and zooms as a Prerna worker introduces herself and talks about her inspirations. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
- My name is Shakuntala(S) and I work with children at Nair Child-line .
SA - and Prerna?
S- Im Prerna Saathi.
(Voice) - but tell us what is your inspiration, what are your thoughts about Prerna?
S - nothing....i have been inspired at Prerna, as I got to learn a bit about my field while working here, and so I got a job at Nair.
Bombay Central
bombay central. job
child-line
experience
learn
nair hospital
pan
service
zoom
Mumbai
camera

Camera dollies up as a Prerna worker introduces herself and talks about her inspirations. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
- My name is Pushpa More. I have been with Prerna from the time it has started, and Im a part of the library committee. Prerna is like a part of my body....i don't consider it a separate entity.
body
committee
entity
library
part
separate
dolly

Camera dollies down as a Prerna worker introduces himself and talks about his inspirations. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
- My name is Sandeep Malwankar. I had realized that I need to do something for the society, so I had joined Prerna. Similarly I feel that the way we work here, other youth should also contribute.
contribute
duty
society
work
youth

- My name is Sachin. The change in my way of thinking and personality, that took place after I joined Prerna, that same change, I feel, Prerna should bring about in every youngsters' thinking and personality,
A Prerna worker introduces himself and talks about his inspirations. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organisation.
change
ideas
personality
thinking
youngsters

- My name is Nitin Kubal. I joined Prerna 5 months back when I had just come to live here in Jogeshwari. At the moment I m not working, I am unemployed. I would like to tell everyone that as I m unemployed right now I would like to learn whatever I can through Prerna. And if , besides any organization, this film is being watched by the common people, I would like to tell them that it has become a fashion to say that the country has not given them anything but unemployment, starvation etc. but I want them to ask themselves what they have done for the country. If every man, minimum daily for two hours, or even weekly 8 hours, does some kind of work for the country like if the support us in our movements, only then can we all be successful, and go ahead in life. It is important for the people to come out. What have you done for the country? Until the people come out, lend support to organizations like ours, where merely 4-5 people get together, we will not be able to destroy corruption or bring about a revolution. That is why, you come out, struggle, fight....one day happiness and freedom will be achieved. That is it.
(Camera person)SA- well said...
India
achieve
ahead
corruption
country
daily
destroy
devote
documentary
fashion
fight
film
freedom
happiness
hours
india
jogeshwari
learn
life
live
minimum
months
recent
shift
starvation
successful
support
together
trend
unemployed
unemployment
week
weekly
work
Camera pans right as a Prerna worker introduces himself and talks about his inspirations. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
camera
pan
struggle

- My name is Manish. I am Prerna's worker. This organization is my inspiration. I believe that only the youth will be able to bring about a revolution in this country. Right now I m studying Fine Arts at J.J. School of Art . The thoughts and ideas that I have received from Prerna, ideas of change, of struggle, Im trying to (garbled) these ideas of change, of struggle.
art
change
fine art
ideas
j.j. school of arts
receive
revolution
try
youth

Camera pans right as a Prerna worker introduces herself and talks about her inspirations. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
difference
educate
education
false
join
knowledge
learn
- My name is Renuka. I am a student and a student, while being educated, has the time to learn and understand what is happening int the society. And I believe that in this time one can get to learn what is true and what is false in the society. Prerna for me is a source from which I can attain this knowledge. So I have joined Prerna.
reality
society
student volunteers
true
truth
understand

Camera pans left as a Prerna worker introduces herself and talks about her inspirations. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
- My name is Nutan. I m a new Prerna Saathi.i wish to inspire people the way I have been inspired here.
volunteers

A Prerna worker introduces himself and talks about his inspirations. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
- My name is Bhanudas. I work for Prerna. Whatever I have learned here at Prerna and understood that exploitation exists, I will forever be ready to fight against it, and will always be working in that direction.
against
direction
exist
exploitation
understand
work
fight

Camera pans right and zooms in as a Prerna worker introduces himself and talks about his inspirations. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
- My name is Sachin, Prerna Saathi. Right now I m a student of Kirti College. I want to inculcate the thought process that I have developed at Prerna into other youth and take the truth behind the socio-political events to them, and try and prepare them for the a fight for the real Freedom.
awaken
develop
events
freedom
inculcate
independence
political
prepare
real
social
truth
youth
camera
pan

- My name is Dilip Kumar Mehta. I work for Prerna. I have been 'initiated' in Prerna for the past three years. I believe that as we are said to be secular citizens living in a secular country, the politicians should understand the real meaning of secularism and act accordingly. Just as a religious organization like SIMI was banned, accordingly, religious parties like the [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bajrang_Dal#Controversies Bajrang Dal] and the RSS should also be banned. These politicians only spend time in misuse of religion and give no attention to citizens.
abuse
act
bajrang dal
ban
citizens
fanatics
initiate
islam
join
manipulate
misuse
movement
parties
politicians
religious
rss
secular
secularism
simi
students
Camera pans right as a Prerna worker introduces himself and talks about his inspirations. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
India

- My name is Chandrakant. I have been with Prerna from the time it was created. I feel that only the youth can bring about whatever change required in the society. so while working at Prerna, keeping in mind this perspective, as far as possible, we try to reach the youth. I wanted to bring to your notice, why Prerna was established then, was because todays society has been broken down based on caste and religion, there is a need for the youth to come forward together to resurrect this society, by participating in such organizations, by being inspired. The other important thing is that, we should try as much as we can to enlighten and awaken the masses about the ruling groups which have divided this society on the basis of caste and religion
beginning
caste
change
creation
divide
dominating powers
domination
enlighten
groups
inspire
pans
religion
resurrect
rule
rulers
ruling
society
start
together
work
youth
awaken
masses
reach

Camera zooms in on Prerna worker - Chandrakant as he continues to explain importance of documentary films. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
Chandrakant - I think this film should be used to stimulate the people in order to uncover the new face of the ruling classes, and to reach the masses. I think that organizations which fight for such causes should use a medium like such documentary films so as to reach people with their messages.
causes
documentary
dominating
fight
generate
imperialists
issues
media
medium
messages
people
powers
public
ruling classes
stimulate
truth
uncover
zoom

- My name is Rupesh, I work with Prerna and right now I also have a job. And in two years (of being with Prerna), the way in which my personality has changed , I want every youngster to experience that same change. And hence I will continue to work with Prerna.
change
continue
experience
pan
personality
youngsters
youth
Camera pans right as a Prerna worker introduces himself and talks about his inspirations. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
job

- My name is Manoj Salgaonkar. I m studying for my S.Y.J.C (second year junior college). I am doing a job. I am working at Prerna too. On behalf of Prerna, I want to give out only one message, which is 'Jeeyo aur jeene do' (Live and Let Live)
college
junior
live
message
pans
phrases

- My name is Rashmi and i working for this organization, Prerna. My opinion about Prerna is that this organization is everything for me. The other thing is when you will screen this film for the youth or for other sections of the society,I would like to say to them on behalf of this organization. The youth today, that is currently engrossed in the MTV and Fashion culture, are very disintegrated, as in, they are not doing anything, as in, they are not realizing that if there is something thats wrong in the society then they should get together and put up a fight. We at Prerna, are trying to unite this disorganized youth, who are caught in the TV culture, so that they can struggle and fight against the elements that are a threat to the society.
culture
disillusioned
disintegrated
documentary
elements
engrossed
everything
film
mtv
opinion
realize
screen
sections
society
subliminal fashion tv
threaten
together fight
traditions
western
wrong
Camera pans right as a Prerna worker introduces herself and talks about her inspirations. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
pan
youth

- My name is Kavita I work in a youth organization. I came late so I don't know what discussion took place here. I have been working here at Prerna for the last four years. I got to learn a lot from here, all the ups and downs. Here, on an equal level, boys and girls work together to achieve justice for women and for their up-liftment. This kind of work doesn't happen anywhere else. At Mumbai level this is the only organization that does this kind of work Unlike in house or the society, which are male dominated, this place is completely free. So I wish that young boys and girls, similarly, should come together and work.
achieve justice
boys
domination
entry
equality
gender
girls
late
learn
male female
male-domination
together
upliftment
women
work
young

15th august
Camera pans left. Shakuntala expresses hope on how this documentary can generate change by reaching people. The Prerna members are gathered in the Vachnalaya (the library) of the organization.
Shakuntala - If this film.....no don't....
- what? This film what?
- if this film is reaching people, then the society should understand it, for movies like Gaddar or Bombay which were about Hindu-Muslim riots, just came and went. People saw it and ignored it by saying that it was just a film. But when they watch this film, people should resolve to really do something about the country and everyone should unite to fight. it is only then that they will truly get to live in a Free India, because 15th August is celebrated by us, but the country is not yet received its independence.
Had it really been independent or had people really been united, then today these politicians like Vajpayee government etc. would not have been able to rise this way against people. That is why on watching this film people should have the ambition to come together , from now on, and support this fight.
ambition
bjp
bombay
extremists
fanaticism
fight
films
free
freedom
gaddar
government
hindu
independence
independent
india
muslims
pans
party
people
politicians
religion
resolve
riots
rise
support
unite
unity
vajpayee

Pad.ma requires JavaScript.