Mukhopadhyay expressed his belief that traditional methods of climate activism, such as writing, lobbying, demonstrating, or blocking institutions like banks, have not been as effective as directly engaging with the public at public venues like museums and sports arenas. This dramatic act aimed to draw attention to the pressing issue of climate change
Sayak Mukhopadhyay, an Indian-American activist, made headlines during the recent US Open for his unconventional climate protest. In a bold move to convey his message directly to the public, Mukhopadhyay glued his feet to the stadium floor, disrupting the tennis match between American Coco Gauff and Czech Karolina Muchova for nearly 50 minutes on September 7.
Mukhopadhyay, along with two other members of the Extinction Rebellion NYC group, stood up in the Arthur Ashe Stadium and chanted slogans like “No tennis on a dead planet” and “End fossil fuels.” He later removed his shoes and firmly adhered his feet to the floor, making it challenging for the police to remove him from the scene.
Mukhopadhyay, expressed deep concern over the climate injustices faced by people in India, emphasizing that they bear the consequences of climate change caused by emissions primarily generated by developed nations. His actions at the US Open were driven by a passionate commitment to addressing this global crisis
Explaining his actions to the New York Post, Mukhopadhyay expressed his belief that traditional methods of climate activism, such as writing, lobbying, demonstrating, or blocking institutions like banks, have not been as effective as directly engaging with the public at public venues like museums and sports arenas. This dramatic act aimed to draw attention to the pressing issue of climate change.
Following his disruption, Mukhopadhyay faced charges of trespassing filed by the New York Police Department. They reported that their Emergency Service Unit personnel safely removed him from his glued position and subsequently arrested him. He was later released with a notice to appear in court.
According to a post by Extinction Rebellion NYC, Mukhopadhyay, aged 50, relocated to New York from his hometown of Kolkata 25 years ago. He expressed deep concern over the climate injustices faced by people in India, emphasizing that they bear the consequences of climate change caused by emissions primarily generated by developed nations. His actions at the US Open were driven by a passionate commitment to addressing this global crisis.
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