Refugees Mark World Refugee Day with Vibrant Fugdi Dance in Pune
In a moving display of unity and cultural exchange, nearly 30 refugees from nations including Sudan, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Iran, and Yemen gathered at Pune’s historic Aga Khan Palace to commemorate World Refugee Day. The event, organized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), saw participants embracing the traditional Marathi folk dance of Fugdi, symbolizing harmony and shared humanity beyond borders.
Connecting through Culture and Shared Stories
Jayant Patil, UNHCR’s project coordinator, encapsulated the spirit of the gathering: "We come from different countries. But we are a family." Alongside dancing, the refugees displayed varied talents—ranging from singing to martial arts—underscoring their resilience and aspirations for peace.
Patil also highlighted the cultural resonance of the event, linking it to the ongoing Palkhi procession in Pune, a revered spiritual pilgrimage honoring saints Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj. The refugees learned about how participants call each other mauli (mother) during the procession and enthusiastically joined in the Fugdi dance, deepening their connection with local traditions.
Voices from the Refugee Community
- A Ukrainian gymnastics and yoga professional, currently residing in Goa, reflected on peaceful coexistence: "In India, a person from Ukraine and Russia can be together peacefully. We are humans first."
- An Afghan woman living with her daughters in Pune shared her ordeal: "I arrived in India on a tourist visa in 2019. When the pandemic struck, our visa expired. With the Taliban takeover in 2021, where women face severe restrictions, returning home is impossible for me. I was a teacher, but now I struggle to sustain my family financially."
- A Yemeni professor expressed resilience, stating, "We are refugees. But we are fighters. Let us not stop fighting."
- An Afghan doctor, who performed a touching Hindi song, revealed his challenges: "Despite my qualifications and scholarship studies at Pune’s Armed Forces Medical College, threats force me to stay in India as a refugee with my mother. We are seeking resettlement in a third country."
Supporting Refugees Across Maharashtra and Goa
Anisha Acharya, UNHCR’s assistant project officer in Pune, noted, "Refugees from approximately 27 countries reside in Maharashtra and Goa. We strive to provide comprehensive support to help them rebuild their lives." The Aga Khan Palace, also home to the Gandhi National Memorial Society, plays a pivotal role as a partner in these efforts.
Cultural Celebration Meets Human Resilience
This World Refugee Day event was more than a dance performance; it was a heartfelt affirmation of survival, unity, and hope — bridging diverse backgrounds through shared stories and traditions. From the joyous rhythms of Fugdi to personal narratives of struggle and courage, the refugees’ gathering in Pune echoed a powerful message: beyond geography and circumstance, we are all part of one human family.
