An Evening of Poetry in Remembrance of Romel Sutariya – 15th August 2024
An evening of poetry was organized in memory of Romel Sutariya, a dedicated political activist, poet, and artist who worked tirelessly in the tribal areas of Gujarat. The program aimed to honor his contributions and legacy by sharing poetry and songs of struggle, reflecting the ideals and values Romel lived with. This event was hosted under the banner of WEThe Kalakar on 15th August 2024, at Punar uththan Hall, Geeta Mandir, Ahmedabad.
The event was thoughtfully designed to include the recitation of poetry and songs that resonated with the causes Romel struggle for. It also provided a platform for participants to share their personal experiences and reflections on Romel’s work and influence in the community. The evening featured poetry readings by prominent poets such as Kusum Dabhi, Umesh Solanki, Sachin Soniben, Jayraj Rajvi, and Hozefa Ujjaini. Their verses echoed the themes of resistance and resilience that Romel advocated throughout his life.
In addition to the poetry, the program also included powerful musical performances by Mahendra Solanki, Chirag Varshaben, Anish Garange, Aziz Minat, Ashwin Vaghela, and Jayendra Macchrekar. These artists presented songs that conveyed the struggles and aspirations of marginalized communities, aligning with the spirit of Romel’s work.
The event was attended by around 50 people from Dalit, Muslim, and Adivasi communities, demonstrating the unity and solidarity that Romel sought to foster. A significant part of the evening was dedicated to an open floor session, where attendees were invited to speak about Romel’s life and his impactful work in tribal areas. Many participants shared heartfelt anecdotes, highlighting his relentless efforts to empower marginalized communities and his unwavering commitment to social justice.
Overall, the event served as a red salute tribute to Romel Sutariya, celebrating his life, his work, and his enduring impact on the communities he served.
Romel’s Memories, Romel’s Stories – 4th August 2024
A collective civil society program was held on 4th August 2024 at Sardar Hall, Laal Darwaza, Ahmedabad, to commemorate Romel Sutariya, a young political activist whose work left a long term impact on the community. The program brought together over 120 participants from diverse backgrounds, including Dalit, Muslim, and Adivasi communities, reflecting the broad impact of Romel’s efforts and the ideology he believes in.
Prominent figures who had closely worked with Romel, such as Raju Solanki, a renowned Dalit activist; Hiren Gandhi, a cultural activist; Saroop Dhruv, a poet and cultural activist; and Rushali Yadav, shared their experiences and the influence Romel had on their lives and work. Their narratives highlighted Romel’s dedication to social justice and his ability to connect with and inspire those around him.
The program also featured contributions from Hozefa Ujjaini, Umesh Solanki, Atish Indrekar, Ashwin Vaghela, Mahendra Solanki, Kusumben Dabhi, Madhuben, and Maulik Shrimali, who shared personal stories and memories of Romel. They emphasized the core values and ideologies that guided his activism, shedding light on the principles he stood for and the struggles he himself faced during his work and the strategies he adopts in work and dealing with the odds. The songs and poetry, also presented in the program that celebrating the spirit of resistance and hope that Romel believe in.
Though the event was a collective effort, Hozefa Ujjaini took on the primary responsibility for organizing it. The expenses, including the hall rent, tea, banners, printing, and documentation, were voluntarily covered by various individuals, demonstrating the strong community support and respect Romel had earned.
Documentation and photography of the event were managed by Lankesh Chakravarty, Piyush Solanki, and Manoj Bhuvaldi, ensuring that the memories and insights shared during the program were preserved for the future. The program was anchored by Deepak Solanki the well-known Dalit rights Activists.
The turnout at the program, was a testament to Romel’s credibility and the lasting impact of his work. His ability to bring together people from different communities and inspire collective action in support of marginalized groups remains a powerful legacy, resonating through those who continue to fight for the causes he held dear.
