Bilkis Bano, ‘The symbol of resistance' appears on Time Magazine list of 100 influential people

 

   Bilkis Bano at the protest in Shaheen Bagh

The 82-year-old, who came to be known as the “Dadi of Shaheen Bagh”, a wrinkled face, a sprightly and lean frame but a defiant eyes was easily outstood apart from the crowd. She was a defining presence at the prolonged protest against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at the small neighborhood of Shaheen Bagh in southeast Delhi.

Time Magazine on Wednesday, named Bilkis Bano among the 100 most influential people in the world. Amidst so many women came out to protest against the Act, Bilkis became the symbol of resistance in a country where the voices of women and minorities were systematically masked out.  

Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh, the heart of protests against the CAA, had received worldwide attention after the law cleared the parliament last year. Her ardent stories reflected ideas of inclusion and secularism on which India was founded. In talk with TOI she said, “India is the country of our birth. We may have all the papers but our fight is for the disadvantaged who may not the documents to prove their citizenship”. 

Being in the age of 82 and not losing hope and will is what makes her different from others. Having faith in the government and the country secular ideas is what keeps her will power strong and ongoing trust.

And later when she was informed about being on the list she said, I’m thankful to the almighty. I would’ve been much happier had our demands been fulfilled…had the government listened to us and given us what we wanted”.

She said, “It is sad we had to call it off (the protest) because of the disease (Covid-19)”.