On May 1, 2025, renowned dancer and Kerala Kalamandalam Chancellor Mallika Sarabhai stood firm in her support for ASHA workers, participating virtually in their ongoing protest. Despite facing pressure due to her new academic role, Sarabhai joined the “Honorarium for ASHA Workers” protest in Thrissur, transferring ₹1,000 to one of the protesting workers.
The event, part of a citizen-driven crowdfunding campaign, was inaugurated by poet and lyricist Rafeeq Ahmed. Sarabhai’s participation was marked by her strong stance on free speech, which she defended in a Facebook post, highlighting the restrictions placed on her ability to express her views as Chancellor.
Sarabhai expressed frustration over the limitations of her role, writing on social media, “Today I got my first taste of what it means to be the Chancellor of a University. Restricted speech.” She also voiced her concerns about the underpaid and overworked ASHA workers, echoing the sentiment that their agitation is not politically motivated but rather a call for fair compensation.
Writer and activist Sarah Joseph also spoke out in solidarity, condemning any attempts to silence the protest and stressing the urgency of resolving the ASHA workers’ demands. Joseph emphasized that the ongoing strike should be addressed swiftly by the government or voluntarily withdrawn by the workers.
