As writers we can conjure up whole worlds, but are we up to the task of facing the world we live in? These three writers are, and how! Living up to the saying ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’ are authors Mariam Karim Ahlawat, Satbir Chaddha, and Sunita Singh.

In a powerful act of solidarity, these three women writers went to Jantar Mantar in Delhi to support the women wrestling community in their fight against sexual harassment.

Indian wrestlers have been protesting against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for his horrendous acts of sexual misconduct. Acclaimed wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia are demanding his immediate arrest and removal from WFI. The protest has now entered its 20th day outside Delhi’s historic Jantar Mantar Observatory, just two kilometers from the Indian Parliament. 

Mariam is a member of The Himalayan Writing Retreat community and the author of highly acclaimed books – ‘My Little Boat’, ‘The Street of Mists’ and the play ‘The Betrayal of Selvamary’. She was deeply moved by the wrestlers’ struggle for justice. “I was feeling terrible all these days about the plight of the women wrestlers…Why were writers’ groups not speaking out? Aren’t writers and poets supposed to have a conscience, be involved, and be sensitive?”

Feeling restless and driven by a sense of inner duty, Mariam reached out to her fellow writer, Satbir Chaddha, knowing that she would understand her anguish. Satbir is a celebrated author and poet, known for her novel, ‘God Loves Foolish People’, (winner of the Reuel International Prize). Satbir has also received the Litpreneur Award by Authorspress for her contribution to literature. Satbir too, wholeheartedly embraced the cause.

Sunita Singh, a bilingual poet, author, and storyteller, also joined Mariam and Satbir. You can check out her latest project – the biography of her late father, ‘The Making Of A Chief Justice of India: Life And Times of Justice Kamal Narain Singh’.

Coming from a family that encouraged open discussions and social awareness, Sunita’s voice was never silenced; instead, she was encouraged to form her own opinions. The ongoing injustice against women wrestlers sparked intense anger and distress within her. Sunita criticized the lack of accountability, saying, “The offender, Mr. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has been  booked under the POCSO Act. A law that  entails immediate arrest, but he is still moving about with impunity. The Delhi Police have not even questioned him despite the directions of the Supreme Court, after which an FIR was filed against him. In fact, he has not even resigned from his position….I believe it is the duty of every individual, not just women, to come together and show support for these girls.” Sunita believes that tangible action is necessary in this situation, not just social media activism.

The presence of these writers at Jantar Mantar caught the attention of prominent media outlets like BBC, Zee, DNS, providing a platform to amplify the wrestlers’ cause. Their placards sent a resounding message of unwavering support and unity – WOMEN WRITERS STAND WITH WOMEN WRESTLERS.

Mariam shared that they met wrestler Sakshi and her husband Satwant Kadian at the protest. They sat in a tent in the Delhi heat, sad at the injustice of it all. Mariam also emphasized that this issue goes beyond religious, regional, and ethnic boundaries. She questioned the silence of writers’ groups and urged women writers to step forward.

Satbir also expressed her dismay at the limited presence of women protesters, “Apathy is the worst cruelty, I guess urban society is naturally apathetic.” Sunita shared her sadness about the situation, remarking, “It was disheartening to see the protestors crammed into a tiny area, advocating for something that they are rightfully entitled to – justice.”

Mariam’s words echo the much needed clarion call, “This is a sincere request to all writers, especially women writers to please take a stand. Stand with these sportswomen. Stand for women’s rights, women’s safety, for justice! Speak up!” 

The writers standing alongside the wrestlers in their protest prove that women across various professions can unite to challenge the norm. Their steadfast support serves as a beacon, inspiring fellow writers to join, amplifying the voices that have been silenced for too long.

Here’s to writing our way into history. Mariam, Satbir, and Sunita, you make us proud.