"Rape Raj", "Defiled we stand", "Too late to wait," "Needed-Zero-tolerance-for-crimes-against-women", read some of the placards carried by hundreds of people, from all walks of life, as they held a silent protest against increasing number of instances of violence against women, especially the recent Delhi gang-rape, on Thursday evening.
The Sector 17 Plaza brimmed over with young and old alike, carrying placards and holding candles as a mark of solidarity with the 23-year-old rape victim battling for her life. The protest was organised under the aegis of Chandigarh Citizens' Forum for Common Cause (4Cs), a newly formed platform, set up by a group of young professionals and social activists.
"As a woman and a mother, this incident has given me sleepless nights. I am willing to do anything to ensure that it is never repeated, "said Ritesh Vashisht, a real estate professional, who was accompanied by her eight-year-old daughter.
Her sentiments found an echo in the surging crowd of protesters. "As a feminist, I strongly feel prevention is better than cure. This is a humble beginning to do something more lasting for the safety of women in tricity. We pledge to dedicate 2013 to the safety of women. Chandigarh should be one place where they can walk with their heads held high and the minds without fear," said Poonam Batth, one of the core members of the forum.
While, with a cause to save innocent lives, Navsankalp a charity association of DAV College, Sector 10 organised a flash mob at sector-17 plaza on Thursday.
{{/usCountry}}While, with a cause to save innocent lives, Navsankalp a charity association of DAV College, Sector 10 organised a flash mob at sector-17 plaza on Thursday.
{{/usCountry}}About 70 students from the college participated in the flashmob. The students besides showing solidarity with the Delhi gang rape victim, asked public to support children from financially weaker background.
The members stood in silence for few minutes praying for the victim and banners were raised, spreading the message to save women and appealing justice for the victim.
The members of the NGO will stroll around the tricity for the next two days i.e., 21st December and 22nd December. to gather funds from the general public, which shall further be utilised for the treatment of the ailing children, as their cause states.