quest-to-reclaim-the-night-on-i-day-eve

On the eve of a historical event — India's 78th Independence Day — which ultimately led to the occasion, West Bengal scripted history.

 

Not just Bengal but the entire women's fraternity and those supporting the right to live ‘free’ and ‘fearless’ took to the streets to participate in the “Women, Reclaim the Night" campaign.

 

The spirit of revolt was palpable among people from New Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru and other places too.

 

I, as a resident of West Bengal, who has always taken pride in being associated with the state, considered  one of the 'safest' for women, took part in the protest march

 

The congregation of protesters was timed at 11.55 pm, which coincided with the nation celebrating Independence Day at the stroke of Wednesday midnight.

 

I chose to reach Jadavpur 8B bus stand, as being a Jadavpur University student, I have always felt a connection with my alma mater where I have learnt the real meanings of 'protest’, ‘revolt’ and ‘freedom.’

 

While walking along with fellow protesters, I could hear what people had to say.

 

What people wanted most was ‘justice’ for that 31-year-old trainee post-graduate doctor, who was raped and murdered at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Some shouted slogans while others  talked about how horrific the incident was.

 

A woman who introduced herself as Kalyani Roychowdhury, 52, was walking next to me. She was talking to another woman and worrying about her daughter. What would she do, she said, if her daughter had been in the victim’s position?

 

“Just like the deceased trainee doctor was a single child to her parents, I, too, have a single daughter. She is a working professional and stays in a different city [Assam], owing to professional commitments. She returns to Kolkata occasionally. I am really worried about her safety and such incidents add to my woes. I stay awake till my daughter returns home safely when she is in Guwahati. When will this ‘fear’ stop bothering parents like us?” lamented Roychowdhury, who lives near the Jadavpur locality.

 

Her husband has retired and her daughter’s earnings help run the family.

 

 

Soon I matched steps with a bunch of youngsters who were raising slogans of ‘azadi’. I introduced myself  and asked them what they were demanding freedom from.

 

In response 24-year-old Sagnik Roy said, “The freedom for women to walk freely on the streets of any city without an iota of fear in their minds.”

 

His statement somewhat summed up the underlying thought that was there behind the call to unite on Wednesday night.

 

Roy’s concern was genuine. In 2012 the Delhi gang rape and murder sent shockwaves across the nation, in 2024 things don't seem to have changed.

 

Ritika Basu from the group of youngsters seconded Roy and said, “We feel trapped when those responsible for such heinous crimes are shielded by the administration. On the other hand, girls are advised to stay home at night, schooled for what we can wear, how we can walk and talk. We want ‘azadi’ from this.”

 

The call for Wednesday’s night campaign was given by Rimjhim Sinha, 29, an independent researcher associated with the department of Sociology, Presidency University, Kolkata.

 

In the wake of the doctor’s rape and murder incident, the crux of Sinha’s campaign call resonates with what Basu thinks - that it is high time to stop blaming women for the atrocities inflicted on them.

 

And as I moved ahead with the march towards Golpark, I was trying to join the loose ends of what I gathered in an attempt to ‘reclaim’ the night.

 

In that sea of people, thus, I got to speak with Dr Sneha Yadav, a resident of Kolkata who lives in New Delhi, where she is completing higher studies.

 

Yadav, who came to visit her parents, siblings and relatives for the upcoming festival of Rakshabandhan, said: “The protest is not just about seeking justice for the victim and her family, but for all those who want to feel safe and secure at their workplaces, irrespective of their gender, caste, creed, religion and political affiliation.”

 

“The protest might have taken a political turn, but the concerns that have surfaced owing to the incident are apolitical in nature. And such crimes will reoccur unless we transform as society. Putting the blame on the government, security lapses and other related issues will only appear like passing the parcel without addressing the root cause of the problem.”

 

The gathering at Jadavpur ended with people lighting candles and watching them burn out, but the demand for justice and safety echoed through the streets with an oath to continue with the resolve till the culprits meet their fate.