Daughters of Chandrapur Reclaim the Night

Women’s safety has become a central issue in India where incidents of rape, murder, molestation, kidnapping and assault are increasing every day. In Maharashtra, one rape is registered every twelve minutes. The matter of safety is not just a matter of ‘incidents’ but a lived reality – there is not a single woman who can say that she has not been subjected unwanted touch, lewd remarks and often worse. Every single girl is ‘warned’ by her parents to return home before dark, women are afraid of venturing out or returning home alone at night. Between 15th August and 31st August, three incidents of sexual assaults were reported in Chandrapur district, including one in which a differently-abled woman was gangraped by two men while a third made videos.

On 18th August 2024 a few women of Chandrapur came together with a desire to raise voice on the issue of women’s safety. We took the idea of Midnight March from similar marches conducted by women across India and in other countries. Thus, an idea to concrete shape around the theme – ‘Daughters of Chandrapur, Reclaim the Night’. A broad forum called Chandrapur Jagruti Mashal Manch to take the work forward. On 20th August the first open meeting was called which was attended by representatives of many social, educational institutions, progressive individuals, intellectuals, professionals, medical professionals and political parties. It was decided that the Midnight March was not against anyone, nor was it a protest over any particular incident, rather it was the first step to come together towards for creating a culture of safety. All of us have participated in candlelight marches after the heinous crime was already committed, now we wanted to light the torch of commitment for coming together and take a pledge to seek solutions.

The Midnight March was planned for the night between 31 August and 1 September. Ten days flew by as we ran around making the preparations, inviting guests, fund-raising. The greatest challenge was to procure the permissions from the police and administration because of Supreme Court orders against the use of microphones after 10 p.m. We were asked to strictly abide by the decibel rules (which we did). The march was planned from Mahatma Gandhi Chowk at 9.30 p.m. to Priyadarshini Chowk – a distance of two kilometres. After much deliberations and back and forth, it was decided to invite peoples’ representatives (Minister, MP, MLA and Leader of Opposition) from all political parties but not allow speeches by politicians.

The evening of 31st August arrived downpours but we were committed to taking out the March – we were not going to stop because of rains. At 9.30 p.m. the March started with two small cultural presentations by SRM College of Social Work as well as the dancer Rajni Paul. The statue of Mahatma Gandhi was garlanded by the MLA Sudhakar Adbale, District Collector Vinay Gowda, S.P Sudarshan Mammukka, Preetisha and Tabassum. Amidst continuous rains people gathered at Gandhi Chowk – it was Preetisha’s presence of mind that kept the crowd energetic and engaged.

I had the unique experience of giving an introductory speech with the microphone in one hand and an umbrella in the other.

Jayashree, Varsha and Jyoti read out the Preamble to the Constitution.

The torches were lit by Pratibha Dhanorkar (M.P), Kishore Jorgewar (MLA) and Sudhakar Adbale (MLA).

It was still drizzling as we marched down the main road with lit mobiles and shouting slogans. On the way we garlanded the statues of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Barrister Rajabhau Khobragade.

By the time we reached the ancient Jatpura Gate built by the Gond Queen Rani Hirai, we were more than four thousand women, men and children. Volunteer groups offered water and refreshments for participants.

It was past 11:00 p.m. when we reached Priyadarshini Chowk. Jyoti had written the pledge which was polished by the group and read out by Varsha, Jayashree and Jyoti.

Every person present followed them in taking the pledge. It was midnight as we sang the national anthem and brought the March to a close.

However, it was a long time before people finally went home. There was much bonhomie, taking of pictures, meeting and greeting – everyone felt safe, with friends. One felt that this was the kind of night that every night should ever be.

On a personal note – this was a great moment for my daughter Ruchika who attended her first March. I was proud to reclaim the night together with my lovely daughter.

Chandrapur Jagruti Mashal Manch is planning its next meeting to think about how to take this work forward. Many people are joining us and many more will join to make Chandrapur city and district safer for women and children than it is today.

• Paromita Goswami