V-Day: Why there's a crisis of respect towards women?

Bangalore, Feb 14: How can love survive without respect? This is what women in India are asking today, as Valentine's Day is celebrated across the world. India is in a contemplative mood, after the brutal gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old paramedical student in a moving bus in the national capital. The horrific incident woke us all from our slumber. People came out in the open and protested against crime against women.

The sentiment is similar everywhere. Women are demanding there rightful place. They are saying, enough is enough and wanted an end to all sorts of violence against women. Be it eve-teasing, sexual assault or domestic violence, women in the country are fade-up with the regularity of violence perpetrated against them.

On Thursday, on the occasion of Valentine's Day, "One Billion Rising" will call for a revolution by inviting one billion women and those who love them to walk out, dance, rise up and demand an end to the cycle of violence. Indian women are joining the cause for themselves and their sisters.

Below are a list of One Billion Rising events in major cities. The organisers of One Billion Rising say that if women don't find an event in their city, they can also take action by getting more people involved in the movement. "Get your friends and family to take the pledge and forward this mail to those who can attend," said an organiser.

Delhi: Cultural events and lighting of candles at Parliament Street from 5pm to 8 pm.

Mumbai: 5 pm to 8.30 pm at Bandra Amphitheatre - community discussions and performances along with Bollywood celebs Farhan Akhtar, Rahul Bose, Javed Akhtar and others.

Kolkata: Cultural event at Shahid Minar from 2:30pm - 4pm. Rally to College square from 4pm - 6:30 pm.

Bangalore: Painting, singing, dancing and more at Cubbon Park, Manjula Mantapa entrance (Vital Mallya Road), starting at 2:30pm.

Chennai: Rally from Marina beach, Kannagi Statue to Gandhi Statue from 10:30 am - 11:30 am; public meeting and cultural activities from 11:30 am- 2 pm.

Hyderabad: Rally from Jalvihar near Necklace Road at 4pm. This will be followed by cultural programmes at People's Plaza from 5.30 - 8 pm.

Lucknow: March with dupattas as message boards from Begam Hazrat Mahal park to Vidhan Sabha. 12pm - 4pm.

Cochin: Art installation by Sajitha at Durbar Hall ground. Performance by Usha Uthup and other musicians at Rajendra Maidan from 5.30 pm, Durbar Hall Ground, DH Road, Kochi.

Bhopal: Cultural performances and testimonies from women at Shah Jahani Park, 10am - 4pm. Shabana Azmi will be the chief guest and C.M. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will also attend.

Shillong: Cultural evening 4pm - 6:30pm at Madan Iewrynghe.

Ahmedabad: Cultural evening with Mallika Sarabhai at Sports Ground, Gujarat Vidyapeeth. 5pm - 7pm.

Vadodra: Human chain from Fine Arts College, opposite Kamati Bagh from 5pm - 7pm.

Guwahati: Cultural events with bands, music and dance at Shradanjali Park, Zoo Road. 3pm - 6:30pm.

Mizoram: Cultural events with bands, music and dance at YMA hall, Chanmari, 11am - 2pm.

The One Billion Rising will be a global phenomenon and feature participants from 182 countries, including India. The message of the event is ENOUGH IS ENOUGH - NO MORE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN!

Eve Ensler, author of play The Vagina Monologues who is behind the concept, said it would be a global strike call against violence. The campaign has been joined by several organisations and individuals from across the globe.

OneIndia News