THE PERENNIAL WATER SUPPLY PROBLEM IN GUWAHATI CITY

Living in Guwahati city has been no less a nightmare for the last so many years. Inspite of the mighty Brahmaputra running along its entire northern banks so close to the city ( with its hordes and hordes of water ); yet, the city remains parched. While majority of the residents were always dependent on underground borewells for their necessary water needs, only 30% used to recieve the supply given by Guwahati Municipality. However, last couple of years - almost a decade infact, that supply too has being going scarce and scarce. Many residents also, particularly from our locality has illegally gotten the system tweaked too to their favour by bribing the operators of the reservoir nearby and setting their pipes so that they run undisturbed, while many of the rest are left at the mercy of the operator's whims and fancy, who may loosen or tighten the release-key as per his mood. So, on days, he'd open just a fraction - which is essentially lots of air and no water. This had been happening so frequently, that people were praying and almost looking forward to the Govt announced JICA ( which promised potable drinking water 24x7 ), ready to pay whatever the price ~ in a 'bas, paani mil jaye' desperation.


residents left parched...
When Jica started to arrive, people beared the tremendous discomfort and inconviniences of the roads getting frequently dugged everywhere, just with the hope that at least they'll recieve water in the end. They were patient. Like others, even we had our Jica connection installed. But, do we get water? No! First couple of weeks, we did get some amount of water albeit at very slow speed. But of late, that too has disappeared. Like many other Govt schemes, this too seem like a failed project or maybe a cruel scam even. Every other day there's news of some pipe burst and that water supply is disrupted. This is proving to be even worse than the municipal water supply which was erratic no less. Govt announced that from July-25, municipal water supply will be stopped completely and that Jica will replace it. But ground reality is - both has stopped! In our area, it seems. Its quite hell, when you don't have water and all your tenants keep demanding water. As a house owner, you have to provide minimum water to the tenants; but when tap runs dry, its no less a nightmare and a huge burden, not to mention quite stressful too.


frequent pipe bursts around the city...

Because of these issues, two years back...I tried the rain water harvesting trick and linked some of our tenant's tanks to rain water. But it works only on rainy days. Other days we have to rely on water trucks that charge huge especially if one's house is on a hill like ours. Moreover, not all tankers agree to come up the hill as its too risky for the vehicle. And with water scarcity, its not easy to get hold of one - as everyone is calling them too. Also, Govt has been threatening to ban these water trucks ( or has already banned ) as they replete the ground water aquifers due to constant pumping. So, govt stops water supply, delivers a flop like JICA and now it wants to ban the private water tankers. Add to that is an on going feud between the Municipality guys and the Jica guys in our area, that has pulled water supply to a complete halt adding to the frustrations of the residents in the locality.


roof-top rain water harvesting...

One cannot live peacefully or pursue a good quality of life if there is water supply issue - that too so often. After all how can a human being survive without water? Water is essential for our daily functioning. Some residents over the years has even sold off their property and moved elsewhere. I personally has been mulling the idea too for quite some time because its just nightmare if water issue is your constant worry especially if you have several tenants to cater to. You become a prisoner in your own house wondering how to give water to them. Thats the only thought that occupies your mind 24x7 - that will you get water the next day! The tenants too ( several ) in the past left because of these water issues; afterall, its not a once in a blue moon thing, but rather a constant crisis. Add to that the house being located in a steep hill isn't always a pleasant experience - but, thats another story...


the new normal - type 'guwahati water suppy' and you always get these news of water disruptions every other day...

roz tenants maange paani paani, aur tanki hai khaali khaali ...Oh..well !!!

AN OPEN LETTER TO MUMBAIKAARS - ITS OKAY TO USE AN UMBRELLA IN THE SUN!

Unlike most other places that has four distinct seasons, Bombay or Mumbai has at the most two. Monsoon from mid June to end of Sept and the rest is all summer, although, it gets little cooler in the nights esp during Dec-Feb. But essentially, its warm throughout the year baring monsoon. Its blazing hot during March-mid June with temperatures tipping around April and May to almost 40+. So, needless to say, Sun makes its presence felt more than half the year on mumbaikaars very prominently. And its not just a simple sun, but a blazing hot sun with its harmful UVs. But inspite of it Mumbaikaars never use an umbrella in the sun, never! Never in their lives. Not a single one of them. Why? Its so purplexing.

I've lived in the city since 1993, so, thats a long long time. But in all these years, I've not seen a single person use umbrella in the sun. No matter how hot or scorching the sun is. Not a single person - not even women! Women generally are more skin concious, but even they don't use an umbrella. I've seen some use the hijab-type scarf around their face, but, never an umbrella. And, that makes me the only odd-one-out! Yes, I'm the only one seen walking around Bombay with an umbrella in my hand during the day to protect myself from the sun. To make matters worse - I'm stared at by all as if I'm crazy to carry an umbrella. Can you imagine that? People just can't wrap their head around to the fact that I'm using an umbrella in the sun. Its unthinkable for them; even the females. They'd rather stare at me surprised from behind that thick scarf they've wrapped around their face, than use an umbrella themselves. To 'fit in' with them, I had discarded the umbrella and used the hijab-style scarf myself for couple of days - it was hell. I can't imagine how they use that thick cotton or synthetic cloth wrapped so tight around their face. No air passes and it gets so hot and sweaty. Plus, the sun falls directly on the body and its so uncomfortably hot. Many women don't use the scarf too. They just walk in the sun. Even if they use sunscreen - I can't imagine how uncomfortable that'd get. I tried using the sunscreen method too. All the sunscreen got wiped off by the sweat and by end of the day I resembled a 'charcoal'. So, I just cannot imagine and help wonder - why people in Bombay don't use the umbrella in the sun? Why?

Oh yes, they use the umbrella alright. But, only in monsoons. Its as if they learnt in kindergarten itself that umbrellas are only used when its raining. So, they abide by that all their lives. But, hello.... umbrellas is for protection from rain as well as the sun, dear Mumbaikaars. When will you get that? When I carry my umbrella around - some look strangely and even comment - 'baarish kaha ho rahi hai?' Yes, its happened many times. Just for carrying an umbrella in the sun I get commented on, as if its some crime, duh! Fed up, I snap back - 'dhoop toh hai'! But that goes a tangent on them. For them its okay to walk in that 'dhoop' or 'sun'. They'll judge or ridicule me for using an umbrella with more comments like - 'kya chatri leke ghum rahi hai' or 'dekh dekh chatri wali aa gayi' while frying themselves under the sun. Thanks, but no thanks - I won't burn myself like that. I'll always use my umbrella even if I'm the only one using it. Its so much easy - cool air on the face while getting protection from the sun. Its such a satisfaction. I almost feel sorry for these Bombay people for not realizing that. Its maybe a hassle to carry it around. But its a hassle I prefer rather than getting fried!


no, this is not saudi or taliban - its bombay with our hindu hijabi sisters who prefer to wrap their face with thick fabric instead of using an umbrella in the sun! Can you imagine that? Like, seriously! And they look at me as if I'm a lunatic for carrying an umbrella!



( Images - Google )

REDEVELOPMENT OF HOUSING SOCIETIES IN BOMBAY - WHAT TO KNOW

The building I currently live in is undergoing important discussions on an upcoming re-development project proposed to be executed in the immediate future ( spanning 2-3 years ). While the discussions seem to be on a preliminary level, it seems major decisions have already been made by the Society's Managing Commitee. While normally, bids are invited from various builders after a structural audit is done by an experienced architect on whether the building actually requires a re-development or simply repairs will suffice; it however seems our housing society has already zeroed in on who the builders would be for the project even before the audit has been done. In the recently held meeting they were garlanding and shawling the builders as though they ( the latter ) were Gods themselves. This is a new territory for me, so, my curious mind immediately started seeking more information. What would be the risks or benefits ( if any ). I've owned my flat for amost 21 years, I better know the answers!

Redevelopment is when a seemingly old building ( above 40 years ) is demolished to make way for a new building with greater FSI ( Floor Space Index ). For example, the current building I live has four floors ( it is 30 years old ). After redevelopment, the new construct will have more floors added - about 10-12 floors. There'll be lifts, it currently does not; and, other upgrades The old flat owners will have about 35 percent increased floor space for free and the builders will be able to sell the additional units in the open market, and get their profit. My building is in prime location, so, if the redevelopment happens the builders will make guaranteed profits ( in multiple of crores ). But while all these seems hunky dory and too good to be true - it also comes with risks especially for the flat owners. They'll have to sign agreement and vacate their flats for couple of years. Although, the builders will give rent for the duration ( atleast they've said they would ), nothing is guaranteed. The society will sign development agreement where they hand over the land and building to the builders who will raze it down. And although, they say it'll take 2-3 years for the project to be completed, there has been numerous instances of abandoned projects and where flat owners got a raw deal in the end, or, may have got nothing at all. They were left completely at the mercy of these builders.

Once the society hands over the project to builders, the old society no longer exits. It dissolves Only a panel overlooking the re-developments are appointed who will recieve periodic salary and updates. A new society will be formed and registered after completion of the project when the 'promised' units are handed over to the old owners as well as new owners who buys the newer units joins the society.

So, a thorough reseach has to be done before handing over our homes to the builders. A background study of the builders is a must. Who exactly are these builders? What are their track records? How many projects have they completed and delivered with OC without any hindrance? What are their finances? What are the sources of their finances? Has my society committee done their due dIligence?

Our building has one major issue. Like 50% of Bombay buildings, it doesn't have an OC. Buildings without OC requires to get a deemed conveyance where title of the land is transfered to society's name. While couple of years ago, our society did collect money from everyone and had applied for DC, no one exactly knows of its progress or current status. So, if a builder takes over a building without OC, and he agrees to get DC done, the society must at no times agree to transfer the land name into the builder's. It's like calling for its own suicide. Is my society aware of these requirements; and also, risks? I hope they are not blindly doing things.

Also, to note, our building is currently 30 years old ( 1993-94 construct ), does it really need a redevelopment now or can be repaired and painted; and, given 10 more years life - as is the normal norm with re-developments being done of 40+ yrs old buildings. Are my society hurrying things? Because, to my knowledge, I feel my building doesnot have major structural issues at the present and one can easily do some outer repairs and get the building painted. It'll look as good as new. They've never really painted the building from outside in the last 30yrs - atleast, I never seen it the time I've lived in the building. So, whats the hurry. Are managing commitee too eyeing at some profits - because, the profit is in multiples of crores. And only by re-development they'll get it; not in the current situation. Are they in cahoots with the builders? I personally don't care if they do take some of the profits if ultimately things turn good for the flat owners. Also, when the society dissolves, they get to pocket the entire corpus/sinking fund they've collected over the years without being answerable to anyone which is also in several lakhs if not crores in itself. Things are quite hazy and unsure as of now.

Will update more on the project's progress! Keep watching this space...

MAMTA KULKARNI BECOMING A MAHAMANDALESHWAR OF KINNER AKHADA SETS OFF A FURORE

90's superstar Mamta Kulkarni grabbed the headlines recently when she was announced as president or 'mahamandaleshwar' of the 'Kinner Akhada' in the on going Maha Kumbh mela of Prayagraj. The news set eye balls and gossip mills rolling and sparked a debate of sorts. There are all kinds of reactions - mostly negative and suspicious. While its not really a bad thing if someone chooses to go on a spiritual path, this incident however has had extreme reactions and questions being raised. Why? Mostly because of the actress's past that involved the terror and drugs mafia. She was supposedly involved with the D-gang ( dawood ibrahim/chota rajan ) and her partner a certain Vicky Goswami, a drug lord who faced 12 years in prison. She was also charged and for a long time was absconding and based in Dubai. It is said, when her partner was in jail, she came closer to spirituality and took various sankalp/tap etc. I personally see nothing wrong if her conscience is clear; because, even the sage Valmiki ( who wrote Ramayana ) was a dreaded dacoit once. And any person can repent and turn a new leaf. And, they should be given that chance. In any case there are so many fraud sadhus and babas roaming around already, so, whats another one in a Mamta Kulkarni, unless she proves otherwise. Maybe, her intentions are really geniune; afterall, after being associated with such a large organisation and under constant media scrutiny there'd be little room to do any hanky panky or mischief. There are doubts and concerns that she might be planted by the d-gang itself to cause trouble in the kumbh, hence, the objections ~ coming specially from another wing of the kinner akhada itself - the vaishnav section.

All these controversies sparked my interest in the various akhadas that exist in India. The Kinner Akhada itself ( a relatively new entrant ), wherein Mamta Kulkarni was announced 'mahamandaleshwar' is not recognised by the main akhadas that has existed for centuries, although, it tags along the famous and largest Juna Akhada ( a shaivite sect ), and has grown prominence in recent times. The Kinner Akhada is mainly for the LGBTQ+ community, so, Mamta Kulkarni being a woman and being part of it at its highest position suddenly, does raise questions. The akhada also says, it gives freedom to the members and donot completely cut them off from the material world and attachments - unlike the main akhadas that are very strict; and where one renounces everything including clothes - like a nagas!





What really are the Akhadas - The present generation are ignorant of the contribution by the akhadas over the centuries. If hinduism being the oldest religion on earth has survived till date, its mainly thanks to these akhadas and they are rightfully deservant of credit, if any. Afterall, imagine lakhs of naked nagas smeared in ashes chasing at you with their trishul, spears and swords - any mughal or british would wet their pants. So, inspite of so many foreign invasions, these akhadas with their armies of warrior sadhus has saved the country and hinduism - sanatan dharm from time to time. Their's are not just spiritual centers but also gives intense training in physical and martial arts. They have a stringent and dedicated lifestyle which they devote solely to the religion and country's well being and defence. They are India's secret weapon ;-) The Peshwai's of the various akhadas at the Kumbh Mela's Shahi or Amrit Snan ( bath ) are the main attraction and focal point of the entire gathering. Only after they bath, the others can. When I read the history of the Akhadas and their selfless contribution, my heart swelled with pride. And, I also felt India and our Sanatan is safe, because of them.

So, coming back to Mamta Kulkarni aka Mai Mamta Nand Giri - lets not judge prematurely. If it was some publicity stunt or has ulterior motives let time and her actions be the ultimate judging factor :-)


UPDATE : https://www.news18.com/movies/mamta-kulkarni-laxmi-narayan-tripathi-expelled-by-kinnar-akhara-founder-ws-ab-9209211.html
( Images - Google )

ATUL SUBHASH SUICIDE CASE AND MISUSE OF LAW BY WOMEN - SECTION 498A OF IPC AND HINDU SUCCESSION ACT OF 2005

There are currently two laws which are grossly being violated by women, although, these laws were originally made to protect them. And this, I write being a woman myself. Such violations affect real victims who acually needs the protection.

VIOLATION OF SECTION 498A OF IPC

In marriage, particularly in a country like India, 'domestic violence' is too common. And although, 'dowry' of late has been recognised as a criminal offense, a lot of it still happens behind closed doors. A combination of the two resulted in laws like 498A of IPC being framed, and the enforcement of the same. It was fine till the law was used properly and gave justice to real victims. But things got astray, when certain women found a loophole and began filing false cases. This has resulted in men becoming the victim instead. Recently, we had the Atul Subhash suicide case, where he left an almost hour long video and many written evidences as to the various false cases filed against him by his wife and in-laws and harrassments he faced, which led him to ultimately take his own life. There are many such incidents where this law has been misused by women, alleging false 'dowry and domestic violence' cases to milk out a hefty sum as penatly from the husband. Misuse has been rampant which has led to criticism and many pleas to get this law revoked. Even though Supreme Court has cautioned against any misuse or unnecessary harrassment, the law is still quite loose and the result is Atul Subhash.

Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of 1860 punishes ( 3yrs imprisonment and a fine) a husband or his relatives for subjecting a woman to cruelty which include physical violence, as well as behavior that causes mental pain or injury. The victims can approach court for protection orders which can prevent the abuser from committing further acts of violence, entering the victim's place of work or residence or engaging in any form of communication or contact with the victim.

VIOLATION OF HINDU SUCCESSION ( AMENDMENT ) ACT, 2005

Its evident, its too common in India ~ the existance of real domestic violence and dowry victims. However, as per the earlier Hindu Succession Act of 1956, the 'real' victims had nowhere to go if they underwent such abuse, as they didn't get a place in parental inheritance - since, sons used to get all the property/assets. Women were regarded as 'paraya dhan-someone else's property'; since after they went to their 'sasural-inlaws' after their 'bidaai-marital farewell', they were cut off completely from their parent's inheritence never to look back. But with growing instances of women deserted by their husbands or divorce and separations, they were stranded. As such the law was ammended to remove gender discrimination so that daughters too got share in their parent's property. It was mainly for such victims. However, there emerged a certain lot of women, who didn't face any problem in their marriage ( thoroughly enjoyed their husband's earnings ) or in-laws, yet, chose to harrass their siblings over property matters just because, they now had right in their parent's property too. There are instances where they get down to bullying even, especially if the family has no sons but only daughters. The married will come and taunt the unmarried and try to make their life hell by trying to chase out or frequently question and mentally harrass as to why the other daughter is living in the house or try to snatch her part of inheritance, and scheme things. They don't contribute or partake in maintainence of the property, but, wouldn't hesitate to harrass the ones who actually live and upkeep the place.

The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, Sept9, 2005 was passed to remove gender discrimination in the Hindu Succession Act, 1956: Daughters of coparceners are now coparceners in their own right, with the same rights and liabilities as sons. Section 23 of the 1956 Act was repealed, which prevented female heirs from asking for partition of a dwelling house occupied by a joint family until male heirs chose to divide their shares. Section 24 of the 1956 Act was repealed, which denied widows the right to inherit their husband's property after remarrying.

A bunch of bad apples spoils the whole basket. So, because of certain greedy evil women such laws are being misused so blatantly; and, women as a whole ends up looking bad.

LIFE SPAN OF A HOUSE - HOW LONG BEFORE A STRUCTURE GETS DILAPIDATED

Left : Typical Western Country Structure. Right : Typical Indian Concrete Structure.

There is a huge difference between houses constructed in usa and India. In usa, people mostly have wooden houses with tin roofs which are light weight and less risky; whereas, in India, people mostly live in concrete structures, which are extremely heavy and far more risky in case of calamity. In earlier times, in India too, esp Assam and north-east had tin roofed houses; but, with growing population people are prefering concrete houses esp flats or apartments. Wooden or stone houses have far longer life-span than modern concrete ones. Thats why we see european stone castles and wooden houses of usa till date...surviving centuries; whereas, estimate life-span of concrete buildings are barely 30-40 years. Its a myth they have 99 years life, as we see buildings going for re-development in barely 30-40 years or so. Its mostly due to poor construction materials used, that these buildings do not last long.

Many people live in bunglows too, most of them constructed way back in the seventies and eighties. Of these many have been demolished to make way for apartment-like structures, where more people can be accomodated as compared to bunglows which typically consisted of a single family i.e the owner. Such bunglows were popular in other cities like Bombay too, but these days, they are very rare to be found. Bunglow owners sell their plot to builders for a lump sum, who then construct the towers with many flats within. Its a huge market, and its a trend that's catching up with cities like Guwahati. We have many apartment type structures emerging at every corner of the city. While these apartments are a cheaper, hence, popular choices for people, over time concrete structures has many drawbacks; as mentioned ~ their shorter life-spans.

In Bombay, we constantly get news of collapsing buildings during monsoons. While in cities like Guwahati, which sits in an active 4 category earthquake zone, buildings are often subject to major structural damages rendering them risky for habitation.. Recently, the CM had even announced mandatory demolition of structures 40 years or older.
While its not known if the govt funds the re-development of the structures, in Bombay, it is understood, often housing societies partner with builders to re-develop their buildings. Such re-developnents has some funding schemes from Maharashtra govt, and the builders too can, with permission, make additional floors and sell them off for a profit. So, in Bombay, buildings go for re-development every 30-40 years. After 40 years its a must. So, what about private bunglows in city like Guwahati? As mentioned, many owners already opt to sell to builders to make way for apartments. They either sell completely or conditional...where the builder might give them part money and a couple of flats in the upcoming project.

Buildings esp concrete, goes through tremendous wear and tear over the years. If not maintained well, they can pose a serious threat in future. They are. constructed with cement which is a permeable material. Water can penetrate cement structures and over time can cause serious leakage issues. And leakage in a concrete roof can be hazardous. Leakage issues can be caused either because of damage caused through rains or damages in the water tanks which are often kept in roofs of the buildings. Constant water seepages as such can rust the irons/steel holding the structure. Unlike tin roofs which are easy to repair, RCC roofs cannot repaired easily. Lot of caution needs to be applied. Plus cost of the repairs are exorbitant. And if not done in time, then it can get dangerous for the entire structure. Moreover, such roof repairs are not a one-time issue, as the problem might happen again..because, rains come again and again.

Besides leakage issue...there are other structural issues that might happen to a concrete building. The main plinth or beams that carry the roof can crack over time...as gravity or natural events like earthquakes does its job. These structures eg. the roof slabs are incredibly heavy, so over time the beams and pillars might develop damage carrying the constant weight...and this is a serious issue...that cannot be rectified easily. Infact, it is more difficult to repair a structural damage. A crack in wall might be bit easy...but if main structure is damaged then the life-span of the building is greatly reduced. It may even give away and collapse suddenly. Thus, it takes no time for a property which is normally considered an asset, to turn into a liability when such damages occur. As a result, its value depreciates. No one would want to buy a damaged structure anyways, much less pay a hefty amount for same. Things get worse if such structure is situated in unfavorable locationgs eg. on top of a steep hill.

So, why I've written this post. ( will update more, stay tuned )

NIHAR NATURALS I AM CAPABLE!

..¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪¸¸ Being a woman is not easy. I don't know about the rest of the world, although, I am aware of rampant prejudices against the female species in almost all countries, across all religions! I can though certainly say for sure that, in India, such prejudices, judgements etc have always existed and how. Every moment in a women's life is judged ~ her looks, her manners, her behavior and over all just the very fact that, she is a woman – right from the very beginning. Remember the frown, that many relatives gasp when they come to know it’s a new-born girl-child esp in certain parts of northern India? Some go on to strangle it too, female foeticide as it is widely known. And believe it or not - most of the times such criticisms or gory acts are committed by the fellow women themselves. Yes, that's the sad truth. And what more shockingly some of them being their own family members! If only, they remembered for a second, that they are women too! Needless to say, such women only encourage the patriarchy mind-set that exists in the society, which treats women as second class citizens. After all, a woman is the one who gives the first lessons to her child ( be it a boy or girl ), and has maximum impact on their upbringing. What is put in a child's mind at that age, stays forever and he/she views the world as such. To get a clearer picture, try catching some current news wherein there's an on-going struggle to let women inside some religious places, where their entries are banned. This happens in India, where women are worshipped as Lakshmi, Durga, Saraswati etc. And women themselves are opposing other women's entry, imagine that! Irony huh! Talking about my own experiences here, on being judged or criticised; I have faced criticisms too, if not at such obscene lengths, but faced nonetheless. I remember, how my entire teenage life was spent being judged by my elder sister. Phew, not exactly a pleasant situation to be in when your own sister mocks your appearance or you, as a whole, in front of her friends or in general every living day. Her only obsession seemed at that time was to pull me down, criticise or judge me as though I had no right to exist in this world. Contrary to how I look or the way I currently am - outspoken and quite bold-in-your-face type; I remember in my school days I was exactly the opposite. I was thin, lanky and a big meek introvert. This use to make me the butt of my sister's jokes/jibes or taunts. She was the more popular one ( or maybe she thought she was - a superiority complex trip ). She’d be embarrassed to be seen with me, and would point-blank refuse to take me along to her friend's birthday parties or outings. I used to think, I was the only one in this whole wide world who lived such a miserable life. My self-esteem would plunge deeper than the ocean’s depths. As time passed though, I found more and more such instances that existed, in my friend-circle and beyond. It was kind of toxic sibling rivalry that was quite common. Somehow, I became little less traumatized after that; and then, came a point where I didn't give a damn any more. I was content and proud the way I was. I could give back as good as I got, or maybe, even better. I loved the creativity that oozed out of me. And believe me, when you don’t let other’s crappy talks affect you however close they may be to you, you can truly say #IAmCapable ~ of doing anything. Nothing can stop you. ..¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪¸¸

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WHY WOMEN SHOULD SPEAK AGAINST SEXUAL VIOLENCE

..¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪¸¸ Recently, I was going through an article that mentioned sexual violence is not just limited to physical harm, but it also includes - stalking, harassment, voyeurism etc, and my mind immediately flew back to the time when I was just a teenager. The amendments to the law were apparently made in the year 2013, and I couldn’t help but wish it was done much earlier. As a school-going teenager, I faced lots of harassments like stalking and eve-teasing incidents, which used to scare the hell out of me. They were mostly done by the neighbourhood boys, who had made my movement in the locality nearly impossible. Passing obscene and lewd comments, following me around etc, were a daily occurrence. I didn’t know much about the law or how to stop these unwanted attention. Of course, I told my parents; but, even they didn’t know if such complaints would be handled by the police if made; besides, those hooligans were mostly teenagers too ( just 2-3 years older than me ). As such, my entire high-school days I had to bear it all; no matter how uncomfortable it made me or how disgusted I felt. Sure, they did not do me any physical harm, but I feel, such people only grow up to be criminals and their crimes grow bigger, if not stopped early on. With the changes in the law, I breathed a sigh of relief; because, now, even such acts are considered punishable offence. So, anyone who faces similar situations ( as those mentioned ) can report and hope for justice. And let me say it here, it doesn’t happen only when we are young. Such incidents happen to older women too, and its a widespread problem. We i.e all the women-folk need to know our rights. We need to know that there is help out there; we only have to report it. Education is the key to that awareness. It is mandatory for police - in any station, and not necessarily the nearest, to file an FIR as soon as a complaint is made. The police in question, infact, may be punished if he refuses to take the complaint. It is important to report such violence because ~ 1 – More we report, more aware people become of the problems that glaringly exist, and it doesn’t remained hush-hushed or shoved under the carpet forever. 2 – More people become aware, lesser are the chances of the crime existing. Yes, its true! Awareness can infact lead to its overall reduction. 3 – When you #KnowYourRights, you are more confident in taking precautions for yourselves, as well as others around you. ..¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪¸¸ Theme: 3 reasons why you think it is important to encourage reporting sexual violence.

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AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL #KNOWYOURRIGHTS AND FIGHT AGAINST SEXUAL VIOLENCE

..¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪¸¸ I spend a lot of time browsing trending twitter hashtags. It is like a 'live' hot-line of sorts, connecting me to all the latest updates around the world; be it any topic. At times, when a subject interests me, I plunge in deep; right into the hot debates/ discussions. It’s very mentally stimulating to say the least, and I absolutely love it. So, as usual, the other day, I was going through the trending topics, when a very popular name started trending. It was that of a female broadcast journalist ( now an editor in a news channel ). She is mostly known for reporting live from war-zones, considered most dangerous places on earth. I’ve since admired her for her immense guts. She is no doubt brave, and is quite intimidating too – the fierce-feminist type. However, when I checked the hashtag, I was in for a shock. The journalist mentioned, had recently written a book ( autobiographical ), wherein, she has confessed that she was sexually molested when she was very young; and how violated she had always felt whenever she remembered that incident, even after decades since that episode happened. More shocking was, the perpetrator being a close relative of hers. With disbelief, I read certain stanzas from her book that was published in an online news-portal. It described the mental trauma she had undergone. I had never imagined such an incident would’ve ever happened to such a powerful-looking lady. While reading, I realized, behind that façade of bravery on the outside, there was vulnerability too. It changed my entire perspective of that journalist big time. More so, when in that same hashtag, I saw numerous trolls making snide remarks alleging that she might have faked-up the incident. Of course, she dealt with them sternly. But, it made me wonder, how ruthless people can get. Here was a woman, daring to tell her story out in the public; and some people were not just not believing it, but alleging that it could be false too. If a well-known journalist faces this kind of public reaction, imagine the plight of some unknown person who might have endured same trauma or worse. The female, after the molestation happened, had decided to forget that horrible incident altogether instead of coming out in the open and reporting it. I can understand the situation back in the nineties or before, when that incident occurred – women hardly knew of their legal rights. That journalist, of course came to know of them much later, but was hesitant still, until she finally wrote the book. So, if an educated woman like her was hesitant to even talk about it for decades, one can only imagine what other women goes through. However, her finally talking about the incident has made us so much aware of one fact now. That even the affluent may have faced such situations, and not just the poor of the society. And this really helps. My 3 reasons why reporting sexual violence is IMPORTANT – 1 – It really helps spread awareness. Like the lady I mentioned; her revealing of the horrible torture she went through, makes us aware that such incidences can occur in any levels of the society. 2 – When the ratio changes from 1 in 100 women reporting, to 100 in 100 reporting such crimes, criminals won’t go scot-free like they currently are. 3 – When you #KnowYourRights, you automatically have a safety net. In 2013, with new changes in the law; in sexual violence - even stalking, sexual harassment and voyeurism etc, are considered punishable offence and not just physical harm. ..¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪¸¸ Theme: 3 reasons why you think it is important to encourage reporting sexual violence.

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❤❀❤( Images - ) Amnesty International has launched the #KnowYourRights campaign, which is a people’s rights educational program aimed at informing people of their basic rights via free educational modules on digital and physical media because knowing one’s rights gives one the confidence to take action. Tell us why you think survivors of sexual violence should come forward to report the crime and not brush it under the carpet.Stay Connected & Follow my Updates on the blog's GFC | GOOGLE+ | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | NETWORKEDBLOGS

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