Biking For Equality

Mumbai: Two years ago, when a couple was molested in public on New Year’s Eve at a public place, Mumbai was shocked. And musician Zubin Driver realized that it was high time that the youth of today be educated and made more aware about the cause of gender violence.

On January 22 and 23, 600 bikers from all over India will ride from Mumbai to Vikramghad — a destination that is 100 kilometers away from Mumbai to spread awareness of fighting against gender violence. VJ-turned-actor Purab Kohli will take the agenda forward by interacting with the young bikers in the rally. Purab says, "I basically checked out the Fight-Back group on Facebook and I got an invite from two of my friends to join the group." He adds, "It’s startling to see all kind of discrimination that are observed and practiced in the Indian society. Just recently while I was shooting for an upcoming film, a specific male vendor refused to talk or even acknowledge the woman line-producer of our film team. The line-producer in question is a very respectable woman. Finally, the crew decided to work with another vendor."

Purab admits that such incidents are rather common and somebody has to go out and tell people that such kind of behavior is unacceptable. Purab says, “I am happy to be a part of the event as it is for a good cause. I like to ride and very often I run away from the city and ride to Alibaug or Ganapati Phule.”

The brain behind the Fight-Back group, Zubin Driver says, “We have organized many ground activities in the past two years to spread awareness about this cause. We managed to get support of Soli Sorabjee, the former Attorney General of India for a campaign against rape.”

When the group of these 600 bikers will reach Vikramghad, there are a host of activities planned for them. There is a specially designated slot wherein Purab will be interacting with the bikers and spreading awareness of gender equality.