HYDERABAD: In the times when intolerance, hatred is taking tragic forms, a campaign ‘Visit my home, be my guest’ would be held from July 20 to 22 across India including in Hyderabad. Prominent social activist Shabnam Hashmi who initiated the campaign said that it is an attempt to change preconceived notions and opinions that people hold about citizens of other community, class, caste, religion and language.
The campaign was conceived after incidents of lynchings, vitriolic attacks against people for speaking a different language or being from a different community went viral.
The privileged will visit homes of underprivileged communities including Dalits, muslims, tribals, have food or refreshments together and talk to erase misconceptions or preconceived notions that people hold.
“We are not saying the campaign will completely change the society but it will certainly be a beginning. People have to shoot videos and upload it, which will be significant as they might say that their preconceived notions have changed,” said Shabnam Hashmi.
In Hyderabad, homes of people from underprivileged are being selected so that people can visit their homes from July 20-22. “The process of selecting homes is underway and some were selected in Old City,” said V Kranthi Kiran, advocacy coordinator, Rainbow Homes Programme.
A meeting will be held among National Domestic Workers Union, Women for Secularism and Democracy, Association for Promotion of Social Action (APSA), Aman Vedika Help and other organisations on how the campaign will be organised in the city.
“The campaign tries to build faith in our neighbourhood,” said K Anuradha, a convener of Women for Secularism & Democracy.