Monthly Archives: November 2011

To Keenan Santos and Reuben Fernandez …

I had intended to write this earlier but did not have the words. Besides, I stayed mum on the issue as I am in London, miles away from the action and am nobody to talk. Almost two weeks after the incident, my blood still boils and I am still very angry at the situation.

Eve teasing and sexual harassment on the streets has become a big evil. As women, we silently digest the humiliation and don’t confront the perverts out of fear. Every woman has experienced perverts walking among us, passing lewd remarks, groping us and pinching us. Where is the freedom and security to walk with dignity and without any fear? Keeping quiet would mean letting freedom being snatched away.

Keenan Santos and Reuben Fernandez fought. They paid a heavy price … their precious lives.

Is Amboli safe?

To me Amboli is home. I grew up there. I felt safe. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine such a brutal murder. I read about such incidents several times but did not expect it to happen in a place that I call home and to people I have known for many years.

I remember Reuben as a cheerful person whom I used to play with in his building with other friends when I was little. He loved the Guns N’ Roses and named his pet boxer Slash after the lead guitarist of the band. I vaguely remember Keenan from my school days as being a quiet and non-confrontational guy.

I am sad that they are no more but I am grateful to them for risking and sacrificing their lives to stand up against eve teasing – a crime perpetrated against women. They have made a big difference to society.

The main accused identified as Jitendra Rana has two murder cases pending against him. Why is he allowed to freely walk around the streets with weapons so that he can decide his next victim?

Spirit of Mumbai

People talk about the spirit of Mumbai and how Mumbai gets back to its feet the very next day after a tragedy has occurred. Is it really the spirit of Mumbai or is it that we absolutely have no choice but to pick up where we left off?

Has Mumbai become another Delhi? What happened to the city that never sleeps? Were the mute observers busy watching the tamasha while Keenan and Reuben were being attacked? The girl could be your friend or your mother or your wife or your sister or your daughter. Would you protect the woman or chicken out?

Death was untimely for Keenan and Reuben. The police may have arrested people but it would neither wipe the tears of their loved ones nor bring back the innocent lives.

Media circus

All Indian media channels picked up the story. The whole world is talking. Media channels have started campaigns such as “Justice for Keenan and Reuben” and “Justice for the bravehearts”. Being a part of the Indian media industry, I know how it works. Is this campaign just another gimmick for channels to increase their TRPs or will they continue to support the cause. Right now this is a burning issue and everyone wants to strike when the iron is hot. Is the media hype likely to fizzle down the minute some other big news comes out or will they pursue the cause until the guilty are shown their fate?

I wish for speedy justice so that the sacrifices of these martyrs don’t go in vain.

Thank you Keenan Santos and Reuben Fernandez for being so brave.


Filed under India