Gherao is a Hindi word that encapsulates the practice of surrounding and confining someone within a space, usually a workplace or a government building, to force them to listen to demands or address grievances. The word is spelled as /ɡʱeːɾɑːʋ/ in IPA phonetic transcription, and it is pronounced as Gheh-raw with a distinct rolled 'r' sound. Gherao has been utilized as a form of protest in Indian labor movement and is a common occurrence during strikes and demonstrations. The spelling of Gherao reflects its Indian origin and unique regional pronunciation.
Gherao is a Hindi and Bengali word that originated in India. It refers to a form of protest or demonstration where a group of people surround a person or a building, typically to confine or isolate them until their demands are met. The intention behind a gherao is to apply pressure on the authorities or the person being gheraoed, using non-violent means, until they address the grievances or fulfill the demands of the protesters.
During a gherao, the individuals participating in the protest often form a human chain around the target, effectively blocking their movement and access to resources. The gherao can take place in various settings, such as offices, factories, or government institutions, depending on the specific circumstances and objectives of the protesters.
Gherao is a tactic employed by groups or unions to assert their demands and confront management, administration, or officials. It serves to disrupt regular proceedings and often attracts media attention to draw support or create awareness about the issues at hand. Although gherao is intended to be a non-violent strategy, it can sometimes lead to tension and conflicts, requiring intervention by law enforcement authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all parties involved.
The term "gherao" can sometimes be used figuratively to describe situations where a person or entity feels trapped or confined by external forces, such as public opinion or legal constraints.
The word "gherao" comes from Hindi, which is one of the major languages spoken in India. In Hindi, the word "gherao" (घेराओ) is derived from the verb "gher" (घेर) which means "to encircle" or "to surround". The suffix "-ao" is added to form the imperative mood, hence "gherao" can be roughly translated to "surround" or "encircle". This term is often used to describe a form of protest or demonstration where a group of people surrounds a particular person or place, effectively blocking their exit or preventing their movement.