Danish Siddiqui, Surekha Sikri and More; Topics That Ruled Social Media Last Week
Every week MAKERS India rounds up the reflections and deliberations of women online. One of the main news stories that became a talking point in social media last week was the death of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Danish Siddiqui in Kandahar.
Reuters photojournalist Siddiqui was killed on Friday while covering a clash between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters near a border crossing with Pakistan. Several people including many journalists took to social media to mourn his death.
That Danish's death is being celebrated by some trolls is tragic BUT the fact that same people who are feeling bad for him today were justifying the celebration of Rohit Sardana's death. Rot in hell Hypocrites! And understand-Your double standards are just toooo visible now! https://t.co/eDNF6FmJmU
— richa anirudh (@richaanirudh) July 17, 2021
This is heartbreaking and beautiful altogether. Condolences and prayers for strength to the family and friends of @Reuters photojournalists #DanishSiddiqui. Too many brave journalists have lost their lives covering an unending war in #Afghanistan. https://t.co/FQkUEKTOt5
— Maya Mirchandani 🇮🇳 (@maya206) July 16, 2021
This is a difficult day. Journalism as a profession does not pay much. Those who find & embrace it, do it without expectation. They bring with them a haunting passion to tell a story, an innate empathy for human condition and pure courage. They force you to care #danishsiddiqui
— Rituparna Chatterjee (@MasalaBai) July 16, 2021
This picture, if no other.
Consider what it meant, for a Muslim man, surrounded by a murderous mob who wouldn't even let anyone take out a phone, to insert himself into this moment, and pull out a camera.
The unparalleled bravery required to pay witness.
RIP Danish. pic.twitter.com/sSO4Zqzgke— Naomi Barton (@therealnaomib) July 16, 2021
In another sad news, veteran actor Surekha Sikri- who was popularly known for her performances in Badhaai Ho and Balika Vadhu, passed away.
Saddened by the demise of veteran actor Surekha Sikri.
Known for her graceful & versatile performances, she will be missed deeply. Heartfelt condolences to her family & fans.— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 16, 2021
An actor par excellence and a woman who was ahead of her time. #SurekhaSikri Ji has inspired generations of actors and her legacy will forever be celebrated. My condolences to the family🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/BhcAWUPofF
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) July 16, 2021
What a great loss.
I first saw her in Banegi Baat on Zee in the 90s, unaware of her splendid theatre work.
Thank you for your work, Surekha Sikri. You will always be remembered. https://t.co/0GF4EZOiHO— Neha Dixit (@nehadixit123) July 16, 2021
Actress Dia Mirza commented on the floods in Himachal Pradesh calling for action.
Climate change is real. And #ClimateAction necessary. Wonder why the #ClimateCrises still doesn’t feature in election manifestos? Why hasn’t it become a national issue that every political party is seeking to address? https://t.co/AZWwain55s
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) July 12, 2021
Political activist commented on the incident where photographs of more than 80 Indian Muslim women were put up for sale on an app.
To these amazing, courageous and assertive Muslim women taking on these online and offline mobs, strength and solidarity! https://t.co/ooxQOVVHbF
— Kawalpreet Kaur (@kawalpreetdu) July 14, 2021
Meanwhile renowned journalist Rana Ayyub launched a new platform which will showcase unbiased and honest news stories.
ANNOUNCEMENT : At this crucial juncture for Press Freedom in India, I am joining @SubstackInc , a platform that liberates journalism from censorship and gatekeeping. The issues that do not make it to our news papers and channels will now find space here.https://t.co/XAzs47CPp6
— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) July 15, 2021
