Dear Editor,
The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) wishes to respond to a letter titled ‘Does the IAC sponsored play send the message that Indian women should remain in abusive relationships?’ by Vidyaratha Kissoon, (SN, November 6). The letter refers to the IAC’s upcoming theatrical presentation, Kanyadaan. In the first place, the IAC considers Mr Kissoon’s revelation of the plot prior to the play’s opening, as unethical and unprofessional. Secondly, the IAC is disappointed that Mr Kissoon did not take the time and effort to contact the organisation so that his questions could have been answered appropriately and privately without recourse to the pages of this newspaper.
Mr Kissoon, in reference to a study of abuse amongst East Indians in Guyana, noted that more than 50% of the victims felt that they may have contributed to the actions meted out to them. He hinted at the cultural enculturation of their acceptance of “god’s will and to wait out their destiny” as one of the reasons why they stay in abusive relationships. IAC is pellucid in its condemnation of all forms of domestic violence and does not subscribe to the notion that, because of “Indianness,” helpless women should remain in an abusive relationship. The IAC is cognisant that there are numerous victims of these barbaric actions and many, for various reasons, are unwilling to engineer change within their relationship. The IAC has no reason to believe that Mr Kissoon is unaware of this.
Local studies show that many acts of domestic violence are unreported. Some which are reported are either ignored by law enforcement officials or, when action is in the process of being taken by such personnel, the victims become unwilling to follow through. Again, this is for various reasons. Some are unwilling to even talk about the harsh realities they face in their homes by abusive spouses. In some cases the issue becomes taboo.
There are many factors that contribute to some victims and their relatives being unwilling to confront the issue of domestic violence which is in their homes.
Economics, cultural and emotional attachments are just a complex few. In these cases, these factors serve as a ‘blindfold’ in preventing them from seeing the realities. As we are all aware, sometimes in life it becomes difficult for some to accept reality. They need help; help which may necessitate the need for the reality to be ‘mirrored’ thereby casting a ‘reflection’ of one’s own dilemma which can serve as a catalyst for the much needed change.
Theatre in itself can be the catalyst. I am sure that Mr Kissoon is aware of the impact the arts can have on life itself. In this context the IAC, through its social mandate, sees the necessity for the issue of domestic violence, and the factors that prevent one from seeking help, to be brought to the fore. The IAC is optimistic that those who will see the play, and who are “silent” victims, can relate to the character in a way that will stringently arouse the need for them to seek help from the various relevant bodies that abound.
The play which was written many years ago was staged numerous times in India and other parts of the world. It is a work of art and highlights the fact that domestic violence is prevalent and many seek refuge in traditions which serve to hide the abuse. The IAC, being cognisant of the issues in the play, has taken steps to ensure that patrons attending the presentations would not leave before being persuaded that there is the need for change. We need to understand and deal with abusive relationships and to counsel those who are abused to seek help. This is already reflected in our advertisements which call for all to help stop domestic violence.
The IAC, as is customary, will be hosting a number of discussion programmes pertaining to the play which will be used to strongly advocate the need to end domestic violence and provide information about avenues where victims can seek help. Also, the IAC, with the help of those who are in a position to provide assistance to victims, is in the process of preparing relevant literature which will not only be available on the two nights when the play will be staged, but at other activities. The IAC is ready to support any initiative that would help to reduce this awful scourge, and realises that education is the key to its solution. Maybe, this is where Mr Kissoon, who seems passionate about the issue, can provide some additional assistance.
Yours faithfully
P Ramgobind
Secretary
Indian Arrival Committee
