The Delhi gang-rape case has turned out to be a weapon of mass discussion in the hands of Indian Democracy. A much needed one. For once we’ve really woken up to the issue of violence against women, a decade too late but it’s definitely better late than never.

Day 3 after the incident, while the uproar on social media platforms was gaining a massive momentum and people were planning protests, few people dismissed our tweets saying “stop your uproar” or “I’m tired of seeing these tweets, as if anything is going to happen.” Booya bitches, that online and on-ground uproar has lead to discussions, it has lead people in power to think and rethink, it has lead to lawmakers asking for our suggestions and most importantly it has lead to people who would usually shy away from talking about “rape” to talk about it. It might seem like nothing but it’s a massive step for women in many families to open up to such discussions. Women across India are talking, women across India are being made aware that it’s not their fault and they don’t ask for it, women across India are talking to men around them, men around these women are reconsidering their thinking, these men and women will make kids who will be aware, sensitive and conscious. If that won’t make a difference, what will?

India is sad right now. Don’t be quick to judge people who are still shopping and partying. People who are going about their life without bunking work everyday to protest are sad too. There will always be that leader and followers mentality. The leaders are at the forefront of it, the leaders are out protesting on the streets, the leaders are tweeting the life out of it, the leaders are discussing it over dinner day after day but that doesn’t mean the chirpy, loan-fearing followers are not affected. I hear conversations in local trains, subways, bars and coffee shops. They’re hurt, they’re listening, they’re disgusted and they’ll make their vote count.

Whether you’re a leader or a follower just remember what my lovely friend Samrridhi has been trying to convey through silent protests in Mumbai and Gurgaon “Be the pressure, Build the pressure.” It’s bang on because soon the weapon’s affect will wear out and soon we’ll all forget. This isn’t the time to forgive and forget. 

P.S: Major props to men who have shown solidarity, love and support for women in recent times. We need more of you. Respect!