Tag Archives: Activism

Let’s recap. Last month in Mangalore, India, a Hindu right-wing party — the Sri Ram Sena — descended upon a bar and chased out any women who were drinking.  This incident, involving many male members of the Ram Sena kicking the escaping women, was video-taped and spread like wild-fire across the nation. Though the Mangalore situation caused much outcry, the leader of the group, on bail, still maintains that it “is not acceptable for Indian women to go into bars” (BBC South Asia).

In retaliation, women (and men!) across the country have formed the “The Consortium of Pub-going, Loose and Forward Women.” With over 5,000 members, the Consortium has revealed its Valentine’s Day plan of protest. Not only are women encouraged to hit up the bars, but they are also encouraged to mail-in a pair of pink “chaddis” that will be sent en-masse to the Ram Sena. To clarify:

A spokeswoman for the group, Nisha Susan, told the BBC it was giving chaddis (Hindi colloquial for underwear) as they alluded to a prominent Hindu right-wing group whose khaki-shorts-wearing cadres were often derisively called “chaddi wallahs” (chaddi wearers).

The Hindu Nationalist BJP government of Karnataka (the state where Mangalore is located) has distanced itself from the Ram Sena, of course. Without a doubt, it is certainly a very interesting way to protest such massive idiocy (really, beating women for drinking?). The problem is though thirty people were arrested, I am sure a majority of them got away without a very harsh penalty. (Because that’s how India tends to work.)  Thankfully, many women’s groups, as well as women in the government, have spoken out.  They need to keep speaking out and keep women’s rights in the forefront.  There has been much progress in this arena, but still so much more ground to cover — a lot of India, especially rural areas, are stuck in the past.  Truly, I hope the Ram Sena appreciates the gift as they are not going to get much other love on Valentine’s Day.