WE THE PEOPLE (TOO)

By Siddhesh Gautam, also known as Bakery Prasad

About the Exhibition

What is independence? Is it the freedom of a state from external control, or a shared sense of freedom among its people?

On the midnight of 15 August 1947, India gained independence from British rule. But did the people achieve true freedom that night, or did the change truly begin on 26 January 1950, when the Constitution replaced colonial law and the Manusmriti, opening new paths for those oppressed for centuries as Untouchables?

We the People (too) by artist Siddhesh Gautam, also known as Bakery Prasad, honors those who fought for freedom before and after colonial rule, and those who carried forward the struggle against caste oppression. It brings together the stories of leaders, reformers, and everyday people whose lives speak of resilience and the ongoing pursuit of equality, liberty, and fraternity. At its centre is a personal journey of reclaiming a history once lost, and of connecting with the shared past of a community determined to shape its own future.

Exhibition Flow and Experience

The exhibition begins with portraits and works that honour figures who shaped the anti caste movement. These first works introduce the long history of resistance and the people whose actions continue to inspire.

From there, visitors encounter artworks that speak to the fight for education, the reclaiming of cultural narratives, and connections between struggles in India and movements across the world.

At the centre is a personal installation showing the life of a Dalit family after independence. Everyday objects and keepsakes are presented as fragments of history, pieces that carry both memory and meaning.

The final section brings together timelines of key moments in the anti caste struggle, poetry, and reflections on memory. These works offer a space to think about the movement as a living, ongoing effort and invite visitors to imagine how freedom, equality, and fraternity can be shaped in the present.

Acknowledgements

The Museum of Goa thanks artist Siddhesh Gautam for bringing We the People (too) to our space. We acknowledge the leaders, reformers, and community members whose struggles and achievements are at the heart of this exhibition.

We thank the families, historians, and activists who shared their knowledge and personal histories. We recognise the resilience of communities that have endured generations of systemic oppression and whose vision for equality continues to guide us.

We also thank the team at the Museum of Goa and all those who contributed their time, research, and support to present this exhibition.

Explore the We the People (Too) catalogue.