‘A Humble Reminder of Precarity’ by Gaurangi Sehgal

There are many of these flags installed around Edinburgh currently. In the past, Scotland has seen one of the most vocal anti-genocide protests in support of Palestine which have been widely followed by many Scots and other diaspora. Now, as an Indian who is about to move back to her country in a matter of weeks, the Palestinian support in Edinburgh has been much more meaningful in a personal context. It is a reminder of the people being welcoming, oneself being viewed as an equal human with right to ‘human rights’, and a feeling of security when walking about town. The reason for this emotion drawing out of these flags lies somewhere in the uprising of racism across the world. 

 For immigrants, support for Palestine or Sudan translates to a recognition of our presence in the country. India has undeniably gone down the path of being ruled by a fascist, authoritarian government where freedom comes at a cost. This cost is paid by youth who wants to voice their opinion, post on social media about corruption or even pollution, or discuss the current political sinkhole with their family but cannot. Propaganda has immersed itself deep into the social fabric of everyday life back home and it gets worse every single day. When I think of home, I feel uneasy with the idea that my thoughts aren’t going to be heard, let alone valued. In an education where I was taught to be critical, where do I go when home has the thought police waiting for me at the door?

Living in Edinburgh has felt like a wave of comfort that makes you feel seen. The city involves you in it, it does not fade you away but brings you out brighter. This perspective comes from a privileged stance, where I had the finances to manage the cost of living and an education that enabled me to work at a decent wage. This privilege does not restrict itself to tangible accessories of life but also to the intangible- safety, security, and the freedom to be. While big brother waits for me at home, Edinburgh has been a break from an otherwise stressful political turmoil.

The picture depicting a combination of the saltire flag with the Palestinian one creates an environment that makes the invisible, visible. To me, it is better than a poster saying ‘welcome’.