It's an irony to discuss ‘fraternity’ after seventy years: Actor-activist Prakash Raj

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Actor and political activist Prakash Raj has said it's an irony that the nation has to discuss the concept of fraternity seventy plus years after independence.

He was speaking at an event organized by 'The Wire' on the 'significance of fraternity’ as a principle, feeling, state of mind, and outlook that fosters both the dignity of individuals and the unity of the nation.

“It has been the life source of human grandeur, and we know who ruined it now”, remarked Raj chiding Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the absence of fraternity among Indians at present.

The five-time national award winner, said fraternity is not a law but a way of life and added in a conversation with Seema Chisti, The Wire’s editor, that “We as human beings have lost it in our ways. We are responsible for the absence of fraternity among us now”.

Fraternity is love beyond caste and creed, race and religion, he said adding that it has to become a way of life to discuss it.

To a question on whether he thinks fraternity can be instilled again, Raj, who has been vocal against injustice and the policies of the BJP government, said, “We all know who is the captain of the ship we are traveling in, and the driver knows what he is doing. If the ship sinks, we will all drown”, he said targeting Modi, while adding that people are miserably divided.

“Where did we take the U-turn to protect fraternity? Where is the fraternity in your economic growth? Children are going without food and basic health care. What are we letting people cultivate in their minds? Hatred is everywhere. Will you go back and build fraternity from the destruction we are facing or build the future?” he asked.