On the evening of Wednesday, 21 August, a candle march was organized in the Grand Omaxe society, Sector-93B, to unite residents in a peaceful gathering. The purpose of this march was to demand justice for the brave-heart doctor who tragically lost her life in a brutal rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata, and to advocate for stronger security measures for all women, particularly in the workplace.
This solemn event was a demonstration of the community’s solidarity with the victim and an effort to raise awareness about the urgent need for stringent measures to protect women. The march also called for the swift delivery of justice to the perpetrators of such heinous crimes.
The organizers of the march emphasized that the gathering was not merely an act of mourning but also a powerful statement against the continued atrocities faced by women. “We cannot stand by and let these atrocities continue. We demand justice, and we demand it now,” they declared, echoing the collective sentiment of the community.
The event, entirely voluntary, saw participation from over 300 residents, spanning all age groups. Participants carried placards with messages conveying their anguish and outrage over the incident. Many also waved torchlights from their cell phones, symbolically marking their presence as they marched around the complex in an orderly and peaceful manner.
The march concluded with a two-minute respectful silence, followed by the lighting of candles in the amphitheater, a poignant tribute to the victim. This was further followed by the signing of a memorandum that urged authorities to expedite the legal process, ensuring that justice is served swiftly and fairly. The memorandum emphasized the importance of setting an example for future generations and creating a society where women can feel safe.
Through this candle march the residents of Grand Omaxe, joined by few from neighbourhood, made it clear that they will not tolerate such heinous acts, and will continue to demand justice and the protection of women in all spheres of life.
(Photographs courtesy Sonya Sethi, Sector-92)
