Colleges get a reel social call

In a bid to spread the word about women empowerment and provoking young minds to think about the growing menace of suicides caused by dowry, city colleges are screening the documentary, Teen Behenein, all through this month.

In a bid to spread the word about women empowerment and provoking young minds to think about the growing menace of suicides caused by dowry, city colleges are screening the documentary, Teen Behenein, all through this month.

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Scheduled to be screened at more than 10 different colleges of Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, the movie revolves around the story of three young unmarried girls who are forced to end their lives due to dowry. “Though the movie is inspired by the recent cases of sisters committing suicides due to dowry, the plot is fictional,” says Shekhar Hattangadi, Chief Associate Director of the film. The film has been directed by Kundan Shah and was shot in 2005.

“Students give a better feedback and response to such an issue, as they can relate to it more. The movie advocates freedom from the oppressing social system,” says Hattangadi. “The Indian law against dowry has no provision for unmarried women committing suicides due to dowry demand. We are sure that the movie will inspire the youth to take this issue further,” he adds.

The authorities at the colleges too feel that the screening will make students raise some pertinent questions. “The menace of social injustice towards women is increasing and this is a direct way to make youngsters exposed to such issues,” says V K Kawatra, principal of Hans Raj College.

“We want the students to raise questions about such issues, and then work towards finding a solution. Even if one percent of the problem is solved, we will consider that we have done our bit,” says Aneeta Rajendran, professor at the Women Development Cell at Gargi College for Women.

Watch it here
What: Teen Behnein
When: October 23
Timings: 7pm onwards
Where: India Habitat Centre
Entry: Free
Nearest Metro Station: Khan Market on the Violet Line

The film will also be screened for students on the following dates. Contact college authorities for details
October 22: St. Stephens
October 25: JNU
October 28: JMC
November 1: JNU
November 2: Jamia Milia Islamia
November 3: Gargi
November 4: Hindu