Arup Rahee is a Fakir from Dhaka, Bangladesh, whose organic, multi-faceted practice as a theorist-activist-artist challenges Western/colonial modernism and aims to decolonize epistemologies. His work, inspired by Baul-Fakir-Shahajiya traditions, involves simultaneously engaging in living, thinking, politicking, and art-making to overturn dominant interpretations and address contemporary sociopolitical issues. His refusal of academic studies signifies a resistance to the oppressive colonial education system and its associated social privileges.
Arup Rahee offers decolonizing ‘folk-based’ education outside mainstream academia, mentoring students on Fakir-Baul traditions and philosophy for a fee.
Arup Rahee’s “Jibon Jiggasa” is a critical consultation service (not counseling) that helps individuals analyze life and society to determine a personal path in the context of sociopolitical realities.
Drawing from Fakiri-Shahajiya traditions, Arup Rahee regularly participates in ‘Sadhu Sanga’ (spiritual gatherings) at ‘Akhra’ and ‘Darbar’ arrangements as essential to his decolonizing praxis.
