Hands Off!!!!

Concerned by the growing incidents of molestation in Mumbai, students launch a campaign to 'Fight back'
Journalist - Divya Unmy

The horrifying case of newly weds, molested by an entire mob on New Year’s eve despite the lessons learnt from the similar case at Gateway last year has triggered indignation like never before. Now youngsters from almost 100 different colleges propose to be a part of a yearlong campaign called ‘ Fight back’ which will address the disturbing number of incidents involving molestation and sexual assault.

"When any such incident occurs, there are few clusters like the cops, government authorities and some celebrities who create some noise initially but with time the issues die out. This will be a platform that will constantly churn out ideas NAD opinions against sexual assault or eve teasing, so that we actually make a difference," says Zubin Driver of Network 18, who is organizing the effort.

The campaign that commences from Mumbai’s Sophia College in January end will slowly travel to various other colleges (especially all- girls colleges) through street plays, short films and various other mediums.

Adds Father Mascarenbas, Principal, St, Xavier's, Mumbai, "Our college, from the very beginning, had an active women’s cell in which students and teachers combine their efforts. We have constantly been part of such programmes, along with NGO Akshara for the last couple of years. We’d be associating in every such initiative that helps create understandings of these problems in society."

In fact, students believe that the short plays and the films are the most evocative of medium to get the message across. Says Ananya Das from SNDT Mumbai, “We are a girls college, but I think those from co-ed institutions might be facing this problem even more than we do. I’m planning to put together a mono act to convey the anguish of a victim of sexual harassment.