About INgene blog : First ever Indian Youth trend Insights blog

About INgene : First ever Indian Youth trend Insights blog:
This blog explores the detailed characteristics of Young-India and explains the finer & crucial differences they have with their global peers. The blog also establishes the theory of “adopted differentiation” (Copyright Kaustav SG,2007) and how the Indian & Inglodian youth are using this as a tool to differentiate themselves from the “aam aadmi” (mass population of India) to establish their new found identity.

The term youth refers to persons who are no longer children and not yet adults. Used colloquially, however the term generally refers to a broader, more ambiguous field of reference- from the physically adolescent to those in their late twenties.
Though superficially the youth all over the world exhibits similar [degree of] attitude, [traits of] interests & [deliverance of] opinion but a detailed observation reveals the finer differential characteristics which are crucial and often ignored while targeting this group as a valued consumer base. India is one of the youngest countries in the world with 60% of its population less then 24 years of age and is charted as the most prospective destination for the retail investment in the A. T. Kearney’s Global Retail Opportunity Report, 2007. With the first ever non-socialistic generation’s thriving aspiration & new found money power combined with steadily growing GDP, bubbling IT industry and increasing list of confident young entrepreneurs, the scenario appears very lucrative for the global and local retailers to target the “Youngisthan” (young-India). But, the secret remains in the understanding of the finer AIOs of this generation. The Indian youth segment roughly estimates close to 250million (between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five) and can be broadly divided (socio-psychologically) into three categories: the Bharatiyas, the Indians & the Inglodians (copyright Kaustav SG 2008). The Bharatiyas estimating 67% of the young population lives in the rural (R1, R2 to R4 SEC) areas with least influence of globalization, high traditional values. They are least economically privileged, most family oriented Bollywood influenced generation. The Indians constitute 31.5% (A, B,C, D & E SEC) and have moderate global influence. They are well aware of the global trends but rooted to the Indian family values, customs and ethos. The Inglodians are basically the creamy layers (A1,A SEC) and marginal (1.5% or roughly three million) in number though they are strongly growing (70% growth rate). Inglodians are affluent and consume most of the trendy & luxury items. They are internet savvy & the believers of global-village (a place where there is no difference between east & west, developing & developed countries etc.), highly influenced by the western music, food, fashion & culture yet Indian at heart.








Saturday, August 27, 2011

Anti corruption movement, Anna phenomenon and the youth in India



Anna Hazare, widely known as the last Gandhian, who forced the federal government to agree to introduce stringent anti-graft legislation, has become a rallying point for youths in India. The 71-year-old former Indian army driver-turned-social reformer’s five-day hunger-strike, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi galvanized youths across religions. It also imitated freedom fighter Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who drove the mighty British imperialists out of India. Hundreds of thousands of people joined Hazare’s crusade. As the wave of support grew into an avalanche through candle-lit rallies in many towns and cities in India and from around the world through social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter, the April 5-9 fast for an anti-graft law shook the Congress-led federal government and brought it to its knees to concede to the popular demand. Hazare would not have evoked such unprecedented public support had it not been for his austere Gandhian lifestyle. The white topi (cap) worn and popularized by Gandhi is back, and has captured the popular imagination of the masses. Writing about the “Father of the Nation,” Einstein said that “generations to come will scarcely believe that such a one as this [Gandhi] ever in flesh and blood walked on this earth.” The half-naked fakir touched the scientist deeply. The next generation who will not see the last Gandhian - Hazare - in the flesh will perhaps express similar sentiments.Born Kisan Baburao Hazare, his journey from the non-descript Yadavbaba temple in Ralegan Siddhi, a village of 3,000 near Pune where he lives, to becoming a youth icon has been a remarkable four-decade long story.
Hazare’s singular motive to rid the country of corruption, especially in government, ignited the masses which have had to bribe officials to obtain basic documents such as passports or birth and death certificates. Two things changed the frail man’s life dramatically and spurred him into being the icon to the younger generation that he is today - poverty and divine intervention.



The voice of the youth against corruption is gathering momentum on campuses all around the country. Irrespective of political affiliations, students are in favour of the cause espoused by Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption campaign.Anna Hazare’s agitation has highlighted many a disconnect in today’s political setup. There is the disconnect between the young and the old schools in the Congress. The younger lot of MPs fear an Anna wave against corruption while the veterans hope to ride the Anna storm with the traditional recipe of caste combinations during elections. The public rhetoric by the MPs is different from their private views. Many are apprehensive that the 74-year-old man who has drawn a huge response from ordinary people all across the country — in all probability even he did not expect it — is making them redundant. The MPs, cutting across party lines, have to pay lip service to Anna because of the current public sentiment. The government, which sent him to Tihar jail, has suddenly started ‘saluting’ him, and Congress spokesman Manish Tewari has even apologised to Anna for calling him corrupt. The fear of being made irrelevant has united the political class to take up the issue of ‘Parliament’s supremacy’ and enacting laws following the due process, which includes referring it to the Standing Committee. Anna cannot be allowed to dictate a timeline or the contents of a bill to Parliament, they say. For, if they accept it, they would have no role though people have elected them.
If they give in to Anna’s demands, it would open a Pandora’s box, they claim. What if several thousand Kashmiris hold an indefinite fast demanding an independent Kashmir and threaten to die if their demand is not met? What would happen if several thousand Sangh supporters demand building the Ram temple at the disputed spot in Ayodhya? Or hundreds of millions insist that the government does away with OBC reservation in jobs and institutions… Should the government give in to all these demands just because thousands congregate and there is a fear that some may die? While politicians have a point, it is also true that they have suddenly woken up to their rights and duties as parliamentarians. Nobody squeaks when 17 bills are passed in an hour or when demands for grants are guillotined year after year within a few seconds. And, as those gathered at Ramlila are quick to point out, politicians themselves have brought the situation upon themselves. The fact is people are now finding a connection between the high-level loot (the entire Anna episode has to be seen against the backdrop of the 2G spectrum allocation scam and the Commonwealth Games 2010 scam) and their plight as they have to battle rising prices and unemployment. Though a handful at Ramlila might have actually studied the pros and cons of the Jan Lokpal Bill, they support it because they suspect the intent of the government and the political class. Today, Anna’s bill has become synonymous with the fight against corruption. His indefinite fast has touched many hearts, mostly urban, middle class and net-savvy Indians. But MPs admit the more the agitation lingers, the deeper will be the impact on the country. Already several MPs have been gheraoed in the hinterland. For good or for bad, Anna has captured the moment. Given the support he has, he is no longer pushing for just a discussion on his bill in Parliament. That was his demand about a month ago. Now, he wants Parliament to pass the bill and in his given timeframe. Naturally, this is difficult for every political party as MPs will have no leeway in government matters. Whatever the outcome of Anna’s agitation — and the situation is still fluid — he has given a jolt to the political class. Let us hope that the agitation will strengthen both the citizenry and the functioning of Parliament.
Padmaraj Menon, a final-year law student, said he backed the new Jan Lokpal Bill suggested by Anna Hazare. “There is a quote that goes like this; ‘Corruption is more dangerous than prostitution.’ Prostitution may endanger the moral values of an individual but corruption endangers the moral and ethical fabric of the entire nation. The level of corruption indicates the economic backwardness of the country. So I am supporting the bill.
Sanitha T S, a post-graduate student of Maharaja’s College has no doubt regarding her stand. “Fight against corruption is always good for society. I express my solidarity to Anna’s movement,” she said.

The crusade against corruption unleashed by Anna Hazare has given a platform for each and everyone to voice their opinions they have been pent-up for long. In connection with this, seminars and discussions were held in many colleges.
“The campaign is not to support a person but to back a noble cause. We support it whole-heartedly. There are many offices like village offices and police stations where people often knock for help. But it has become a breeding place for corruption. So it is good that these offices come under the purview of the bill,” said Janardhana Shenoy, general secretary, SFI.
Though they are supporting Anna’s cause they have their apprehensions too. “The campaign against corruption is always welcome. But it should not throw any challenge to the existing Parliamentary system. The first and major step in this regard is to eschew bribe,” said Jinto John, district president, KSU, Kerala.
For infotech professional Sachin Dombe, the Independence Day weekend starting on August 13 indeed became an extended one. He decided to extend his leave by a day on Tuesday, citing support for anti-corruption crusader, Anna Hazare’s Lokpal Bill movement, as the reason. Hazare, in his appeal televised across the country on Monday and Tuesday, urged people to participate in a mass movement to coincide with his fast-unto-death stir from Tuesday in support of a strong Lokpal Bill.
More than 40 voluntary groups in Pune organised a rally from Nal Stop to Balgandharva Chowk on Tuesday morning to support Hazare. Nearly 3,000 youth participated in the agitation. At Balgandharva Chowk, the volunteers sat on a relay fast and a makeshift pandal was set up opposite Balgandharva Rangmandir. They raised slogans and sang patriotic songs. Dombe was one of the many young professionals who took the day off to participate in this movement.



“I have taken a day off on Tuesday to be present for the rally and the relay fast,” said Dombe, who carried an “arrest me” placard and wore an “I am Anna” Gandhi cap. Like him, many other youngsters were in the forefront of the protest. Telecom professional Deboshri Mitra travelled from Kharadi to participate in the rally and the relay fast. She had taken the day off on Tuesday and was planning to decide whether to take leave on Wednesday too. Her colleague, Harshal Marathe’s leave was not sanctioned, yet he made it a point to be present for the rally on Tuesday morning. “We have been conducting the campaign on behalf of the India Against Corruption (IAC) in our company and our friends since April this year,” he said.
The Internet is being extensively used by young information technology (IT) and other professionals from Pune to spread the word.
“The Facebook page of IAC is flooded with hits and we are updating the latest news on it,” he said.
Vikas Sutar and Shrikant Sapkal, who were among the protesters in Pune, said they felt this was a ‘now or never’ situation as far as the Lokpal Bill was concerned. They felt compelled to participate in the public movement.

Reference:
http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/report_annas-jolt-exposes-gaping-disconnects-neerja-chowdhury_1580149
http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/citys-youth-find-a-saviour-in-anna-hazare/306977.html
http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_youth-force-backs-anna-hazare-in-pune_1576832
http://www.cathnewsindia.com/2011/05/09/anna-hazare-becomes-a-youth-icon/

Thursday, August 25, 2011

How Anna Hazare became the face of anti corruption movement

We for sure need a Lokpal Bill because it will bring in a clean government. Anna Hazare should be worshipped for what he is doing," Sonu, a barber, told me earlier this week. Not just Sonu, but many I chatted with believe the Lokpal can be a solution to all their problems, from water supply to ration cards to gas connections. So what do we understand from the Sonus of this world?
A) Many supporting Anna Hazare's movement don't have the slightest clue about the specifics of the bill. They think the Lokpal is a magic cure for all the ills in the country.
B) Team Anna (led by Arvind Kejriwal) has captured the imagination of everyone tired of the bureaucratic and political corruption in this country. Their call to fight 'corruption' with a 'fast' is working wonderfully in mobilising people.

What is being forgotten in all this is that the team is offering a simplistic solution to a complex problem. Team Anna is offering a quick fix to corruption via the Jan Lokpal Bill.
Khristina, a journalist, says when people see something good happening, they instantly want to become a part of it.
"Even when there's an illusion of something good, we would want to be a part of it. I guess this happens because all of us want to be a part of the 'greater good'; to say 'I was there'. Of course, there could also be a 'herd mentality' at work. In fact, many may not fully understand Anna's 'Fight Against Corruption' and its implications, but the knowledge that it may result in something good is causing this frenzy," she explains.
This is where Team Anna have got their strategy right: they are fighting for the good and the betterment of the nation. A vast majority feel they should be behind Anna Hazare and support the movement. On the other hand, the government has failed to explain its stand to the nation. Its communication strategy, if it has one at all, has failed miserably. Jharna, a cricket journalist, says: "I feel Anna and his supporters are trying to rouse public sentiment against established evils like corruption, but the resulting wave will do very little towards actually getting rid of bribery in daily life. The leaders are merely encouraging blind faith and putting themselves on pedestals to be worshipped the same way modern-day politicians do."

How the UPA lost the plot

How has such a mass movement built up over the last couple of months? The UPA has much to answer for. Instead of trying to bring to book people behind its mega-scams, it was busy cementing its coalition and running down activists behind the Lokpal movement. From maligning protesters to spreading rumours, the government has tried several dirty tricks. What it hasn't done is to tell the misinformed masses what the Jan Lokpal bill is all about and how it can't solve all the nation's problems.
The government isn't speaking lucidly about how our country already has independent agencies such as the Central Vigilance Commission, the Comptroller and Auditor General's office, the Election Commission, and the Central Bureau of Investigation to fight corruption. A Lokpal would only add to the long list of investigating bodies in the country.
Instead of explaining why it is against Team Anna's version of the Lokpal, it goes about arresting Anna and creating a huge sympathy wave for protesters, bringing back memories of the Emergency era. Anna's arrest catalysed common citizens. It made them take to the streets as they saw the government's action as undemocratic, an obstruction of their rights. The Congress has spoken in many voices, confounding the issue further. From a minister calling Anna Hazare mad to Abhishek Manu Singhvi announcing the government is open to discussing 80 per cent of the bill, the UPA has made a farce of the issue. Manu Singhvi's statement shows that the government was ready to extend an olive branch only when things seemed to be going out of control. The government has blamed Lokpal activists of compromising India's security and integrity, when there was no vandalism, and even a basic law-and-order problem was not in evidence. Some Congressmen were so foolish as to draw a parallel between the recent London riots, comparing anti-corruption protesters to hooligans.

These are the mistakes that have fuelled the public sentiment against the government. Kapil Sibal says Anna is undemocratic. Manmohan Singh says his government is taking the strictest possible action against the corrupt, but everyone knows how he had no role in nailing those guilty in the 2G and the Commonwealth Games scam. It was only after our apex court intervened that arrests were made.
This is proof enough that the government is not serious about curbing corruption

Saturday, August 20, 2011

anti corruption movement is touching the grassroot


Yesterday was an iconic day when Mumbai citizens were deprived of their dabbas (packed foods/ lunch boxs) at offices. Striking work for the first time in their 120-year-old history, Mumbai's famed dabbawalas (who deliver more than two lakh dabbas to offices every day, have a “six-sigma” certified error rate — reportedly on the order of one mistake per 6 million deliveries) Friday extended support to anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare in his fight for a stronger Lokpal bill (anti corruption bill to include even the Prime Minister in its power of action). 'Dabbawalas joined in large numbers to lend their support to Annaji,' said Nutan Dabbawala Trust president Raghunath Medge. 'They all wore caps with Anna's name on it and marched peacefully on the side of the road from Churchage station to Azad Maidan (in south Mumbai) without disrupting any traffic. This is Anna's way of peaceful protest,' he added.

Nearly two lakh Mumbaikars depend on the dabbawalas for lunch. But this Friday, they either ate at their office canteen, or ordered from or visited a neighbourhood restaurant -- if they were not on a holiday due to Navroz, the Parsi New Year. Meanwhile, those who had a working day Friday complained of being deprived of home-made food. For finance professional Akshay Magji, it was an 'additional pressure' to eat from outside. 'It has been an additional pressure on me. Yesterday (Thursday) buses and trains disrupted the local commute. Now with dabbawalas on strike, I was forced to eat outside in some restaurant. It took over an hour, plus I didn't get to eat home-made food,' he rued. Raghunath Medge, however, said that they called for strike Friday keeping in mind that most offices will be closed owing to Navroz. 'I agree that our valued customers were inconvenienced owing to the strike call, but I am sure it will be a small percentage,' he said. Those like Khantil Shah, who had a holiday, were relaxed. 'Yesterday (Thursday) when I heard about the dabbawalas' strike, I thought I would have to waste time and money to eat at a restaurant. But then I remembered it is a holiday and relaxed,' said Shah, a public relations professional who has been ordering tiffins the past three years.

Nutan Dabbalwala Trust secretary Kiran Gavande said: 'We are breaking our 120-year-old tradition by not providing tiffins today (Friday). This is the least we can do to support Annaji.' Speaking at Mumbai's Azad Maidan day before yesterday, Sopan Laxman Mare, President of the Mumbai Lunch Box Suppliers Association, said the dabbawalas, renowned in the world for their efficiency, would go on strike for the first time in their 120-year history. "We have already pledged our support to Anna Hazare. He is fighting against corruption for the people of the country. 5000 dabbawalas and 200,000 customers will go on strike on Friday in support of Anna's movement," Mare added. He also said that while bad weather and natural calamities had never made the dabbawalas to take a day off, Hazare's fight against corruption was a much bigger issue as such they had resolved to join him this national cause.

The Mumbai dabbawalas, with their never-say-die attitude have, delivered tiffins to their customers regardless of prevailing situations. “Even during the July 26 floods, we have delivered tiffins to all our customers. Many dabbawalas starved for hours but only went home after the job was complete. This is a special occasion and we will definitely pledge our support to Anna,” Mr Mare added. He also said that the one-day strike will not create trouble for the Mumbaikers. “The Mumbaikers have strong willpower and one-day strike will not make so much trouble for them. In fact, many of them will be joining us in the rally,” said Mr Mare.


Photo & information source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2369850.ece?homepage=true
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/for-anna-mumbais-dabbawalas-to-take-a-.../833839/

Read more: http://itsscrapped.blogspot.com/2011/08/why-should-i-care.html
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Scarcity-of-water-at-Anna-Hazares-protest-venue/articleshow/9672272.cms
http://www.annahazare.org/


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

few TV commercials that cought the AIOs of young India

Here’s few Indian commercials which catches the best of Indian youth’s AIOs (Attitude, Interest, Openion)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDuUIww9AIU

(Cadbury India’s ad)

This ad shows how important it is (for any Indian youth) to pass in an exam…play cards... meet a Bollywood celebrity…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwi-T1l6znU

(Cadbury India’s ad)

Respecting the elders is still a valued tradition

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaPh9kGS0v0&feature=related

(Cadbury India’s ad)

Gifting at Diwali (Indian festive) is very emotional…in India

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asEn619BfaM

(Cadbury India’s ad)

Family is most important to an youth in India. You can see, a teddy is an integral part of a teenager!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6dEI6D_rcI

(Cadbury India’s ad)

Relationship…love…female are becoming more “smart” than male…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2wBnjtmmg8&feature=related

young couple's family romance…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efRNKkmWdc0

(Vodafone’s ad)

The character Zoozoo was very popular among youth…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26MLjHFK4Jk

(Samsung guru ad)

On, how important is music in an Indian youth’s life…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk4ru6_YAs0&feature=fvwrel

(Samsung Guru double sim ad)

This shows that parent’s approval is most important, in every purchase…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRm6avC_85I&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxzrGBc2d_o&feature=related

(Samsung)

Mobile is a tool to maintain relationship…


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5ECJrnqPcI

(tata tea)

How youth are voicing against corrupted political leaders

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQSz7nnTUP4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTuJNPZlreM&feature=related

(tata tea)

Against bribing

Monday, August 15, 2011

Dhruv Lakra and the Mirakle Courier - a tale of new India



The new generation of young entrepreneurs in India are creating new directions for business opportunities as well as social responsibility. Dhruv Lakra, an MBA graduate from Oxford started Mirakle Couriers, a courier company with a difference which employs only deaf and dumb youths. A courier service requires minimal use of speech and hearing, which is why Dhruv thought of starting this business for the specially abled people. Barring the 4 management staff, all employees are hearing disabled. He has 2 branches in Mumbai and already plans to go pan India in the long run.



In his own words Dhruv stated a moving tale of how he got this idea: "Once upon a time, Dhruv was sitting on a bus next to a young boy looking eagerly out the window. In fact he was not just eager but actually being very restless. He was looking around anxiously, seeming slightly lost. Dhruv asked him where he was going but the boy did not respond. It took him a few seconds to realise that this boy was unable to hear or speak. He was deaf. Though the bus conductor regularly announced the stops this boy still did not know where he was. Dhruv took out a piece of paper and wrote to him in Hindi asking him where he was going. Through the back and forth pen and paper exchange, it suddenly dawned on Dhruv how difficult life was for the deaf. Something as straightforward as a bus became a struggle...It is an invisible disability. You can not know when someone near you is deaf as there are no obvious physical attributes, and so its totally ignored. It is also a silent (voiceless) disability. There is very little public sympathy for the deaf, and by connection, a severe lack of government support for them in India. Particularly when it comes to employment there are no opportunities because no one has the patience or the foresight to learn deaf language and culture. This is how Mirakle Couriers was born...Over the next few months Dhruv spent time exploring the deaf culture and learning Indian Sign Language. He focused on a courier business because it requires a lot of visual skills but no verbal communication. The deaf are extremely good at maps reading, remembering roads and buildings because they are so visually inclined...Over the last two years Mirakle Couriers has grown to operate in 2 Branches in the city, employing 70 deaf employees and delivering over 65,000 shipments per month. We have won several awards including the 2009 Hellen Keller award and the 2010 National Award for the Empowerment of People With Disabilities."




INgene salutes the spirit of "new India" in the morning of 64th independence day of the nation.


India infographics

Link


Source: http://in.news.yahoo.com/india--stats--facts-and-trivia.html

Monday, August 1, 2011

"slut walk" and "Changing the attitude towards women"


In every 29 minutes, a rape case is reported in Delhi (UNIFEM 2010). Besides Delhi has the dubious reputation of being one of the world’s most unsafe cities for women and to its utmost surprise, nothing is being carried out to salvage its image except a few news conferences and some unplanned patrolling. Recent cases of gang rapes have left the city shamefaced in which a 30 year old BPO employee was molested in a moving car and more recently when an 18-year old met the same fate.

However, the accused were caught by police after rigorous patrolling and checking but one can ask, is it necessary that there should be a heinous crime to wake our police officials from a deep slumber? Can’t one ask when will be the capital of India be a safe place to live like other foreign cities like Seoul?

Evident from the crimes that occurred just in a week time, point the finger towards the non-serious police officials. For instance, the Dhaula Kuan rape case in which 5 people were arrested were also booked earlier in separate crimes and surprisingly they were let off on bail. Other cases which reflect the same police apathy include the Mongolpuri rape case and Rohini stabbing episode in which a person attacked five girls with surgical blades.

Likewise, a Seemapuri woman was gang raped by six men in a moving car on 6th December but no FIR was registered by the police against the accused for two days. The action was initiated only after the doctors from GTB hospital confirmed it as a rape case.

Judicial system also lags behind in bringing the culprits to books. Few days back, a convict Mukesh Kumar was sentenced to death for raping and murdering a 14 year girl. But it took five years for the judiciary to punish the guilty. Some politicians give such incidents a U turn by portraying it a handiwork of migrants and some others blame the opposition parties which, unfortunately they are not doing it for people but for their own political gain. Statistics available with Delhi police show that 83% of people involved in crime are from Delhi, while only 17% were found to be outside.

70% of women feel unsafe in Delhi compared to Gurgaon's 65%. Survey shows that 64% of women have been personally harassed or eve teased. But what about those women whose voice is never heard or who don’t want to be named or does not have faith in the justice system. The records show that it is the eve teasers who got emboldened when they don’t get the required punishment.

And it is not only the case of our capital city Delhi. A look on the current status available in leading newspapers show that Madhya Pradesh tops the list of rape cases and Manipur is perched at the bottom. In every nook and corner of India there is eve teasing, molestation, rape and murder either by the officials or by a common man. Work place molestation is a day to day routine now and to its utmost disgrace no one is bothered about it.

As per National Crime Records Bureau Data a total of 21,467 rape cases were reported in 2008, which increased substantially to 3.5 per cent over 2007. Provisional data for 2009 shows that 21,397 rape cases were reported during the year.

Madhya Pradesh reported as many as 2,937 cases, accounting for 13.7 per cent and highest of total rape cases, followed by West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh at 2,263 and 1,871 cases respectively. These states were followed by Maharashtra (1,558), Assam (1,438), Rajasthan (1,355) and Bihar (1,302). The lowest number of cases were reported from Nagaland (19).

"Rape is one of the most violent forms of crimes against women, which not only impacts her bodily integrity but in the long-run, impairs her capacity to develop meaningful personal and social relationships, and affects her life and livelihood," Minister of State for Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath said in a meeting. She said the Supreme Court had directed the National Commission for Women (NCW) to evolve a "scheme so as to wipe out the tears of unfortunate victims of rape" (Source: http://www.merinews.com/article/delhi-capital-city-or-rape-city/15839155.shtml)

So, the much-awaited and controversial Delhi SlutWalk — titled SlutWalk Arthaat Besharmi Morcha — got going on Sunday, with a loud call for society to change its attitude rather than force women to hide indoors. While it lacked the lingerie, fishnet stockings and skimpy clothing of its western versions, the march still managed to bring more than 250 supporters to Jantar Mantar with bright signs and loud chants.

The run- up to the protest had promised celebs, including Nafisa Ali and Gul Panag, but the only one who turned up was Nafisa. The actress- activist, who stressed the importance of gender equality education at home, said the movement was strengthening by the minute and that it was time the practice of blaming women for rapes and molestations was discouraged.


Source: http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/photos/it-s-a-start-delhi-s-walk-of-no-shame-1312183273-slideshow/

The Slut Walk has had its fair share of supporters and cynics. The women who are supporting it believe that its high time that women reacted to the vulnerability they are subjected to owing to the onslaught of baseless judgements of the society and that women should be free to wear whatever they want without being held accountable for other people’s behaviour. The criticisms are basically directed towards the name i.e Slut Walk. People feel the name is not appropriate. It is seen as insulting and derogatory. The founders and the supporters of the movement have justified the name by saying that “we want to reclaim the word ‘slut’ and use it in a positive, empowering way. Historically, it has been used by misogynists to degrade women who are sexually assertive – whilst men in the same position have been hailed as ‘studs’ or ‘ladies’ men’. We wish to make it know that women are well within their rights to have consensual sex and to display their sexuality however they like”. Moreover, in a city like Delhi, it is felt that the protest march may become a visual with no or little impact.

The Slut Walk is a good initiative and is addressing an important issue but what is required to make movements like these successful is sensitizing the society. Women should be respected and so should their rights to live their life the way they want. Read more at the website of Besharmimorcha: http://www.besharmimorcha.in/

More reference: http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/the-9-o-clock-news/slutwalk-delhi-copycat-feminism/206640

http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2011/06/slut-walk-delhi-a-fight-to-reclaim-dignity-and-rights/