Dear Readers,
You must be aware of what's been happening in past few days, Dr. Moumita Debnath, a second-year postgraduate student at RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, didn’t just lose her life—she was robbed of her future, her dreams, and her dignity. This tragic event happened in Kolkata, the very city that celebrates the feminine strength during Durga Puja.
While Independence Day traditionally celebrates our nation's freedom, it is vital to ask: Freedom for what ? For whom? How can we claim to be free when a dedicated young woman, striving to serve others, is silenced within an institution meant for learning and growth?
Independence goes beyond symbolic gestures. It must represent the freedom to live without fear and pursue dreams without the shadow of violence. Until this is achieved, our celebrations ring hollow.
This tragedy extends beyond Dr. Debnath. It highlights a broader issue affecting every woman who lives with fear, constantly advised to be cautious within a society that undermines her safety. It speaks to the pressures faced by young women who may abandon their ambitions due to fear, while perpetrators remain unpunished.
I urge every girl and woman to raise her voice, for her safety, her dreams, and claim her fundamental rights. The harsh reality is that we often have to fend for ourselves, facing questioning and blame for fears imposed upon us. Our fight transcends professions and personal circumstances—violence and insecurity can affect anyone, anytime. We must stay vigilant, aware, and supportive of one another because in the end we are alone.
On this Independence Day, let us not only celebrate freedom but also commit to fighting for true independence and the safety and dignity of every woman. We need justice, real change, and immediate action. The fight for genuine freedom is ongoing. Until every woman is safe and respected, none of us can claim to be truly free.
#JusticeForVictim #NotOneMore #IndependenceForAll
