"Demolish Poor's Livelihood, So That... World Leaders May Discuss Poverty Alleviation": Ravish Kumar's Video Goes Viral
Delhi is all decked up for the G20 summit to be held on September 9 and 10. The G20 summit has brought a touch of colour to the capital city, with vibrant murals adorning its walls and illuminated billboards lining its streets. Hotels and restaurants have made all the special arrangements to welcome guests.
But, as part of the beautification, the authorities have made sure not to show any of the slums in the area when the foreign leaders and dignitaries arrive in India”s capital for the summit which is being held under India”s presidency. In an effort to ensure the safety and smooth organisation of G 20, all schools, offices, workplaces, markets, restaurants, and non-food shops will be closed for three days. Movement on the roads will be restricted, and all food deliveries will be banned. People are advised to stay home during this time.
Meanwhile, a video is viral on internet now, that is critical of the preparations government has put in place for the summit, by none other than Magsaysay Award winning journalist Ravish Kumar.
The video shows all the preparations – including the banners, fountains, laser lights, and also the way slums have been covered with tall green walls, and then the anchor asks: “But, what kind of grandeur is this? what is this world order for which houses of the poor are demolished because world leaders coming and you expect them to huddle up and find solutions to alleviate your poverty?”
Inside the video, people from Delhi also seen expressing their opinion on the event. Some of them are in agreement with the beautification of the city due to the G 20 Summit, hoping that the exposure will provide India a higher stature among the countries, development and business. “Modi hai to mumkin hai,” commented a lady.
“This is just campaigning for 2024 (elections),” said an Auto Rikshaw driver.
The video, which was released a day ago, has been watched by more than 1.5 million people.
