Mere Ghar Aake Toh Dekho campaign: How a cup of coffee can tear down prejudice, hate

Hyderabad: The city residents are going to take part in a countrywide campaign that aims to help people reconnect with each other by breaking the barriers of religion, caste, class, sexuality, language and region. The path-breaking campaign named ‘Mere Ghar Aake Toh Dekho’ (visit my home, be my guest) is scheduled to begin on August 15.

Over 50 NGOs and individuals, including SAFA India, National Alliance for People’s Movement, Telangana Domestic Workers Union, National Hawker Federation, National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR), and Justice Coalition of Religious (JCoR), have lent their support to the campaign.

About ‘Mere Ghar Aake Toh Dekho’ campaign

Launched in 2017, ‘Mere Ghar Aake To Dekho’ is a countrywide community-building initiative that takes place every year during Independence Week to bring the people of India together by overcoming the internal biases and prejudices within every individual.

The goal of the campaign is simple: people visit the house of a family from a community not their own, spend a few hours with them, and share water, tea, or a meal. This little deed goes a long way in breaking down socially imposed boundaries.

Fighting hate and fear

Speaking about the campaign, K Satyavathi, secretary for the Bhumika Women’s Collective, said, “This campaign is an attempt to create a platform, a common space for people to know each other and rise above the differences.” They said that ‘Mere Ghar Aake To Dekho’ will help people accept and embrace their differences, which is much needed in this atmosphere of hate that is brewing in the country.

Speaking about a ‘culture of fear’, Transgender rights activist Tashi said, “It’s nothing new; we’ve seen such fear of others for a long time. But it has now become a political instrument, with political parties begging for votes based on fear and hatred of outsiders.”

“Call us to your homes or come to our homes, and we can share a meal, maybe a cup of coffee or tea,” Satyavathi said. “If nothing else, we may at least offer each other a glass of water.”

“Campaigns should take place at the community and local levels rather than the state or national levels,” said Tashi. "For example, many people have misconceptions about migrant labourers from Bihar who work in Hyderabad and other metros. By inviting them into your home and offering a glass of water people can get to know so much about them,” they said.

“Before propaganda tells us that someone is dangerous and we should despise them, we should decide if that is the path we want to take. We should break down barriers and recognise others for who they are,” Tashi said.

‘We need better leaders’

“Every day, we see some or other news about violence and hatred. It has become normalised and only a few question it,” said Rachana Mudraboyina, a transwoman and member of the Bhumika Women's Collective.

Rachana expressed optimism that this campaign may shatter at least a few prejudices. With the elections just around the corner, any change in perception is extremely important, she said, adding, “We deserve better leaders.”

The campaigners requested the families or individuals who are willing to invite strangers and share food or coffee with them to shoot photos or videos of their interactions, which would be shared on the ‘Mere Ghar Aake To Dekho’ social media platforms.