I dream of a world without caste, discrimination: Irom Sharmila

by IANS |

Kolkata, Feb 16 (IANS) Manipur's legendary human rights activist Irom Sharmila, who continued a fast-unto-death protest for 16 years demanding repeal of an Act, on Friday said she dreams of a world without caste, discrimination and dictatorship.

"I want to leave for my children a world without caste, discrimination, and dictatorship, and where all people would have equal status," Sharmila told media persons here at the trailer launch of the docu-feature "The Turning Point" based on her life.

The docu-feature is being made primarily for some foreign television channels, said the director indranil Sarkar.

"Initially, we want to reach out to a global film audience. Later, it may be released nationally, but the producer is yet to tell me about his plans," said Sarkar.

The Iron Lady had continued her fast-unto-death for 16 years till mid 2016 demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. She then joined politics, but secured a meagre 90 votes In the Manipur assembly polls in 2017.

She then married Desmond Coutinho and faded from the limelight.

Sharmila, now on the family way, was asked how her married life was different from her days as a spinster. "Well, these are separate chapters of life. That's how I see it."

Coutinho and the film's producer Jaspreet Kaur were also present at the programme.

"Everybody sees Sharmila as an Iron Lady. But I have brought to the limelight only the lady. And during our project, I have found her to be a very good human being. She still is very much rooted," said Sarkar.

Latest News
LS polls: PM Modi to hold public meetings in Haryana, Delhi today Sat, May 18, 2024, 11:45 AM
K'taka CM reviews preparedness for rainy season; HM orders probe into police 'negligence' in Anjali murder case Sat, May 18, 2024, 11:35 AM
Jagan Mohan Reddy leaves for foreign tour Sat, May 18, 2024, 11:34 AM
After LS polls, Telangana parties now gearing up for key MLC by-poll Sat, May 18, 2024, 11:31 AM
Assam Trinamool moves ECI accusing CM Sarma of making 'hate speech' Sat, May 18, 2024, 11:29 AM
Congress, INDIA bloc winning people's confidence across the country: Shivakumar Sat, May 18, 2024, 11:28 AM
PM Modi slams Uddhav Thackeray for 'betraying Balasaheb & sacrifices of Shiv Sainiks' in Mumbai rally Sat, May 18, 2024, 11:28 AM
Trinamool moves ECI against Abhijit Gangopadhyay's remarks on Mamata Banerjee Fri, May 17, 2024, 05:19 PM
Govt-run ONDC facilitates 7.22 mn transactions in April, onboards over 5 lakh sellers Fri, May 17, 2024, 05:17 PM
Explained: What is Hepatitis A that is causing an outbreak in Kerala Fri, May 17, 2024, 05:16 PM
JSW Steel posts 64 pc decline in Q4 net profit at Rs 1,299 crore Fri, May 17, 2024, 05:15 PM
Man, who set afire French synagogue, neutralised Fri, May 17, 2024, 05:13 PM
Friend taken into custody after Kerala bridegroom accused of domestic violence flies out Fri, May 17, 2024, 04:50 PM
Russia reports over 100 Ukrainian drone attacks Fri, May 17, 2024, 04:11 PM
Two fake call centres busted in Punjab, 155 employees held Fri, May 17, 2024, 04:09 PM