STAND UP!

By Avika

TW: SA, Violence.
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“Because I am not free from my own shackles unless all of my women are too.”

With the coming of October, a prominent festival, especially in West Bengal, India takes place called Durga Puja. Durga Puja translates to the worship of Goddess Durga, one of the Goddesses in a culture dominated by Gods. 

But as a Bengali myself, it feels wrong and unjustified to celebrate a festival of Durga Puja which celebrates strength, resilience, bravery and most of all, a strong woman. A brave, courageous and fearless Goddess. Why does it feel wrong? Because of everything taking place in West Bengal. 

Recently, a brutal rape case took place in Kolkata. A medical student in RG Kar College was found with 150gm of semen, her ribs cracked and legs open at 90 degrees. Her eyes were bleeding, and marks covered her body. Her parents were not allowed to see her body and it was termed as ‘suicide’ but after a thorough examination, it was declared as a murder. 

Although, the West Bengal Government has not made any valuable contributions yet and has in fact, reacted nonchalantly, the people of Kolkata have made their anger seen and heard by the means of mass protesting. The college was surrounded by thousands of people. It is safe to say that after hundreds of years, this is what people mean when they say—“the people in power, took their power back.” Especially in a democratic country like India itself. 

As someone who calls Kolkata her second home, it is safe to say that as a woman, I have never felt more proud but as a Kolkata person, I have never felt more fearless and untouchable as I do now. Although I don’t reside there anymore, I had the most amazing opportunity to be a part of the protest virtually, all thanks to my aunt. 

This scenario cannot be ignored but this protest will never be forgotten. As said by my aunt herself— “Every person, old or young, male or female, rich or poor was present.” This protest is just symbolic of unity and fighting for a good cause. 

And I hope to see more coming. I hope to live in a world where I can live freely. Where my women can. Where I can be a doctor, engineer or even a housewife yet not abused.