Hindustan Times (Lucknow) - Hindustan Times (Lucknow) - Live
SEEKING JUSTICE IS NOT BEING BOLD: VARNIKA KUNDU
Abunch of green and white balloons flying high in the sky, green for solidarity and white for peace along with a message “Bano Nayi Soch”, is how the International Day to Stop Violence against Women was celebrated at Sangeet Natya Academy. The event “Sajhi Awaaz Sajhi Parwaz” was organised with a motive to promote gender equality and positive social norms by Dastak in collaboration with Oxfam India.
To mark the occasion, state cabinet minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi was present as the chief guest accompanied by famous Chandigarh based DJ Varnika Kundu, actor Dr. Anil Rastogi, Nand Kishor, Deepak Kabir along with some social activists.
While talking about the sensitive issue of gender sensitisation, chief guest Rita Bahuguna Joshi stated “There was a time when we thought literacy would change the society, but with change in time it is observed that the educated class is also among the ones who treat women unequal, who are violent against them.
So the need is to change the mindset.
The constitution of India treats both men and women equal, if we do not, we are simply anti-national.”Later, an oath taking ceremony to treat women equal to men was also performed.
Ishaqzaade famed actor Dr Anil Rastogi, said, “According to a recent survey, among the top hundred most powerful women of the world, ten are Indians. Women are excelling in every field which makes all of us proud of them. For the ones who are still think they are weaker than men, change your thinking and explore yourself.
This only can bring real women empowerment in the whole country .”Every year, November 25 to December 10 is celebrated as sixteen days of activism for the elimination of violence against women. To commemorate the occasion, famous DJ and music producer Vernika Kundu was also present and shared her past experiences about violence towards women and suggested all the females to be strong towards their own identity. “I have lived my life as an independent progressive woman. After one incident, the media attention that I received is a platform to share my views for all the girls who treat them as the weaker section of our society. Seeking for justice against violence is not bold; it is what one is supposed to do.
My message to all the females here is, just be yourself and stop being dependent on someone”
A series of cultural programmes like poetry by Aisha and Saman, Qissagoi (an art of storytelling) by Rekha Pachauri, Saghira and Neetu and Theatre play by Harsh, Nitish, Ketan, Shubham, DANCE YOUR BLUES AWAYSachit, Anuj, Aisha, Hema and Vinay were performed.The session was concluded with a group dance and group song performance with a theme of gender sensitisation and gender equality.