In 2010, Stephan Braig embarked on a transformative journey in Varanasi, becoming an integral part of my family until 2011. Our paths intertwined in Germany, and Stephan's lens captured poignant moments, reflecting the essence of love and humanity. The narrative traverses through familial bonds, legal complexities, and the unwavering pursuit of justice, culminating in a profound reflection on shared humanity.
Stephan Braig's impact, from Varanasi to Germany, is woven into a compelling saga of family, legal challenges, and the quest for justice. This chronicle encapsulates love, struggles, and the resilient spirit that binds us all.
Stephan Braig arrived in Varanasi in October 2010 and served
as an intern at PVCHR until February 2011. During this period, he became an
integral part of my family, residing with my life partner, Shruti Nagvanshi,
and our son, Kabeer Karunik. Kabeer's emotional farewell, marked by tears,
resonates vividly in my memory as Stephan returned to Germany. Our paths
crossed twice more in Germany, first in 2011, and later in 2015. In 2011, I
experienced delightful days in Mainz, visited Remschied, and had the pleasure
of staying with Ms. Helma Ritscher.
Attached to this narrative is a captivating photo taken by
Stephan at a kindergarten in Remschied. The image beautifully captures the
essence of unconditional love, a testament to the profound truth of humanity –
that love binds us all.
I spent a few beautiful days in 2015 with Stephan in Leipzig, Germany, a period during which I found myself falsely implicated in a criminalconspiracy in India.
Stephan eloquently recounts his experiences on his blog,
where he shares, "the last two weeks have actually returned to something
like everyday life." He delves into his routine, dedicating time to
reading, leisure, and crafting monitoring reports for PVCHR's various projects.
He immerses himself in the daily habits of Indian life, from playing cricket on
the rooftop to indulging in the consumption of countless eggs. Stephan
humorously notes that he is now officially a member of the extended Raghuvanshi
family, relishing the privilege of sitting beside the head of the family during
significant meals, enjoying the delectable traditional cuisine.
Notably, in 2002, my mother drafted her initial will, wherein
she expressed opposition to me and my life partner, Shruti Ngavanshi, resulting
in our exclusion from property rights. It is essential to highlight that I had
previously invested eight lakhs Indian Rupees from my Gwangju Human Rights
Award in 2007. This financial contribution facilitated the construction of a
section of my mother's home, serving as both the PVCHR office and my residence.
In the latter part of 2011, I undertook the construction of a
substantial portion of the first floor of my mother's residence. This
significant development coincided with the organization of my parents' 50th
marriage anniversary celebration at Kamesh Hut Hotel.
Adding complexity to the narrative, my mother revisited her will in 2012, allocating property rights to my son, Kabeer Karunik. It is crucial to note that Kabeer was born in 1998 during my participation in the Global March against Child Labor in Manila, Philippines. However, the initial will made no mention of my son. For a lighter moment, I invite you to watch a video recorded by Stephan in 2011, featuring Kabeer.
My mother confided in me at the hospital before her passing
in 2022, revealing that my father opposed not only my ideology but also that of
my grandfather. Consequently, he succeeded in excluding me from property rights
through exerting pressure on my mother. I extensively documented this
heartbreaking revelation on Youth Ki Awaaz, offering detailed insights. You can
explore the comprehensive account through this link. https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2023/08/the-legacy-of-struggle-sacrifice-and-unbreakable-family-bonds/
Despite having access to resources inherited and a pension as
a freedom fighter against the British Colonial State from his parents, my
father neglected to allocate his own funds for their well-being. He expelled me
from our home on two occasions, even though I extended financial support
following my mother's demise. I bore the entire cost of my mother's medical
expenses during her final days. My father did not contribute a single penny to the last
rituals of my mother, which were managed by me and my brothers, excluding
Kanad.
The situation escalated when I stopped providing financial
assistance to my father after the death of my mother. In response, on May 17,
2023, while I was in Manila, he launched an attack against me. Tragically, on
the late night of May 16, 2023, my youngest brother, Kanad, livestreamed his
suicide on Facebook. The subsequent police summons, received on October 17,
2023, led me to the ACP, Cantt office.
During the meeting, the official disclosed that my father had
filed a complaint, alleging concerns about my foreign connections and
questioning my financial earnings. Curious about the date of the complaint, I
learned it was dated May 17, 2023. Interestingly, my father's accusation did
not include any mention of my brother's suicide, which occurred on the night of
May 16, 2023. I provided a detailed statement to the police, elucidating the facts
surrounding the online portals that unjustly defamed me in connection to
my brother's tragic incident. Kanad had broadcasted a video against me
just days before his death, and I emphasized to the police the contents
of my mother's first will in 2002 regarding the property. In it, she
spoke unfavorably about me and my life partner, Shruti, under the
pressure of my father.
To my astonishment, the official informed me that my father
had referenced six brothers in his letter. This revelation raised suspicions
about my father's motives and hinted at a potential conspiracy for property, as
both wills of my mother excluded the name of my youngest brother, Stalin, and
only mentioned six brothers. This revelation was profoundly distressing for me,
and I promptly reported the situation to the police. The police did not provide me with a
copy of my father's petition to read. Instead, they informed me briefly and
shared only a few details after my questions.
In a significant contrast, Stephan openly proclaimed his connection to the extended Raghuvanshi family in his blog. However, a letter from my father to the police department, accusing me of being a foreign agent, highlighted his xenophobic mindset. The photographs in Stephan's blog, along with his declaration of connection to the extended Raghuvanshi family, align with the Indian concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (World is one family). Nevertheless, the xenophobic tendencies evident in my father are posing a threat to the very essence of this concept. This situation presents a crisis, challenging the fundamental principles of shared humanity and universal values.
As we step into the New Year, let's envision a celebration
with the People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) that transcends
mere festivities. May this occasion serve as a catalyst for fostering shared
humanity, nurturing compassion, and advocating for sustainability. Best wishes
for a year brimming with victories and meaningful progress!
In the midst of "2024: A World in Turmoil - Navigating
the Shadows of Conflict, Striving for Unity, and Confronting the Climate
Crisis," join PVCHR in this celebration. Come together for Human Rights,
Peace, and Environmental Justice! Your presence and support are invaluable,
contributing to the creation of a world where dignity triumphs over oppression,
compassion prevails over conflict, and sustainability conquers adversity. Let's
revel in our victories and collectively work towards a future marked by shared
humanity. We look forward to seeing you at the festivities!
2 comments:
Great 👍
Brilliant how you put my time with you in India in the context of your family's chequered history. Excellent writing, thank you!
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