New Year 2013
had been ushered in on a sad and heavy note throughout India . The
horrific gang-rape of a 23 year old girl on a moving public bus in New Delhi on the evening
of 16th December, 2012 had cast a shadow of anger, anguish and grief
all over the country. Spontaneous protests broke out mainly in Delhi where the girl
battled for life for days and the Young India Movement For Change started
spreading to other parts as safety for women became the primary concern. The
suffering girl was shifted to Singapore
early morning on 26th for better treatment, but her brutalized and
battered body gave up the fight early morning of 29th December. The
nation plunged into grief. The sad mood got further accentuated by more crimes
against women reported from various parts of the country in a brazen display of
indifference.
The Government
of India at its highest level decided to cancel all New Year parties and
celebrations. The Indian Army issued advisory to all its formations across the
country not to celebrate New Year 2013. The refrain was adhered to by the other
two wings of the Indian Defense Services—the Navy and the Air Force—too. Many
hotels and clubs in Delhi
and other cities followed suit. Our media channel Doordarshan canceled all its
entertainment programs made specially to usher in the New Year at all regional
levels.
In the national
capital Young India continued the protest rallies and silent sit-in
demonstrations throughout the past days and nights including the New Year eve
and on the New Year today defying the biting cold.
In Mumbai candle
marches, protest demonstrations and anti-liquor public meetings were held late
into the night yesterday. The revelry was visibly much less than witnessed last
year or in recent past. Fireworks were scattered and subdued at the strike of
midnight.
Respect women
who are also your loving grandmothers, mothers, sisters and wives; ensure
safety for all them locally, regionally and nationally; carry on the Young
India Movement for Change to press for stringent rape laws and effective
policing with working helplines; debate tirelessly on the punishment options for
the rapists ranging from chemical castration to the death penalty and take
action at the very sight of those dreadful animals and protect your sisters
stoutly. Only these can make 2013 a
Happy
New
Year for all of us and all ofIndia .
Happy
New
Year for all of us and all of
