Beti Bachao

It might have been just another story of a young Indian woman subjected to violence and terror by young men for the crime of being out at night. It might have been just another story of the thuggish son of a powerful politician proving to be untouchable regardless of his crimes because of his connections. Instead, thanks to the victim’s own connections and privilege, an ordeal is being transformed into an occasion for national soul searching. Varnika Kundu and her father, Virender, an IAS officer, put their account out on social media, forcing politicians on the back foot. And women around the country posted selfies of themselves on a night out with the hashtag ‘Ain’t No Cinderella’. Beti

bachao, these women appear to be saying, is patronising. They’re capable of saving themselves.