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On a Sunday evening in Glasgow, Ye Kaisi Democracy (translation: What kind of democracy is this), co-hosted by Platform for Indian Democracy and Scottish Indians for Justice, brought together a diverse and engaged audience from all walks of life. With over 100 attendees, the venue was completely sold out, creating an atmosphere buzzing with energy and anticipation. The crowd reflected a rich mix of backgrounds, which added depth to the conversations that unfolded throughout the evening, as people from different perspectives came together to share in a night of entertainment, thought-provoking discussion, and community-building.
The evening began with opening speeches from Scottish Indians for Justice and Platform for Indian Democracy, setting the stage for an event that was not only entertaining but deeply thought-provoking. They spoke about the importance of political discourse, the need for solidarity within our communities, and how art and performance can be powerful tools for change. Their words resonated with many in the audience, who were eager to be part of a conversation that is often overlooked or difficult to engage with in mainstream spaces.
Following the speeches, a talented local singer took to the stage and delivered a moving performance, captivating the audience and adding a cultural and emotional depth to the night. Music has a unique ability to bring people together, and this performance set the perfect tone for the main act of the evening, leaving the audience feeling both uplifted and contemplative.
The highlight of the night was the performance by Aisi Desi Democracy, a show that masterfully blended humour with hard-hitting political commentary. The group’s ability to address serious and complex topics—such as democracy, free speech, and political unrest in India—while keeping the audience engaged with laughter and satire was truly remarkable. Their sharp wit and insightful take on the state of democracy had the audience not only entertained but also deeply reflective about the political situation in India today. The performance struck a perfect balance between comedy and serious political critique, ensuring that the audience left with plenty to think about long after the show ended.
Many in attendance felt a strong personal connection to the topics discussed in the show. One attendee shared:
“Everything they [Aisi Desi Democracy] said in this show was absolutely coming from my heart. I may not be able to present these ideas so articulately or in a funny way, but they are talking with my voice. They took a lot of thoughts that were actually in my head and gave words to them.”
Another guest was pleasantly surprised to discover such an event happening in their own city:
“I had no idea events like this happened here, but I was pleasantly surprised. It crosses over with many of my interests—and my needs, to be honest—so it’s good to be here.”
Beyond the performances, the evening fostered a deep sense of connection and community. A feeling of belonging and shared understanding was one of the most powerful outcomes of the night.
As the event concluded, the conversations continued well into the evening as guests gathered over a wonderful dinner to reflect on the themes raised throughout the night. People discussed their thoughts on democracy, freedom of speech, and the importance of raising awareness about political issues, particularly for those in the diaspora. The dinner provided a space for attendees to digest the performance in a deeper way, exchange perspectives, and build new connections within the community.
This was more than just a show—it was an evening of laughter, reflection, and solidarity. It was a space where important conversations took place, where people found common ground, and where art and activism intersected in a meaningful way. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed to making the event such a success. We look forward to hosting more gatherings like this in Scotland with Scottish Indians for Justice, where we can continue to bring our community together, challenge ideas, and create spaces for discussion, reflection, and change.
