The word BRUTAL, HEINOUS, HORRIFIC, INHUMAN… All of them will just remind every informed Indian about that one tragic incidence that happened recently. The barbaric act is unthinkable of, in a democratic society, also when it is the capital of the country and is not even midnight. Ironically, all this happened in a city that boasts of a 75000 strong police force. If one happens to check the statistics, there are two molestations and one reported rape case everyday in the capital city! Shocking, isn’t it? The incidence urges every Indian woman of ask herself if she is safe anywhere and anytime. And the answer reinforces the fact – NO! The relentless attack has not just shocked and shamed India, but has scarred every household in true sense. There are approximately 19 crore households in India, and I am sure, every mother, father or brother is scarred about her daughter or sister. I witnessed it myself, when I went to watch T-20 to Wankhede Stadium with a bunch of friends. My family (far away in Delhi) could not sleep till the time I reached my hostel back safely. I even saw the wrinkle of worry on my friend’s face when I reached back. It is this perennial fear, not just in the mind of every woman, but in the minds of every family that we need to get rid of. For how long are we going to live in a constant fear of being brutally, savagely and mercilessly assaulted may be anytime, anywhere. The shocking news of rape and assault have long being dominating the TV screens and the newspapers. Ironically again in a country like India, which has a rich and diverse cultural heritage of looking up at woman as a symbol of love, sacrifice, courage and what not! What is the government, police and the citizens doing? How are we compensating for the complete security and safety of women? For how long are we going to live with grim reminders of such tragic incidences? For how long are we going to cringe, as Indians, when outsiders remind us of such incidences? Though all of us are disgusted and appalled at such incidences, we need to question as to why is it happening, the loop-holes in the system and what can we do to prevent it. It is only then that we can claim that we live in a SAFE India. Each one of us needs to question himself/herself.

I would want to salute the protester’s spirit in Delhi. At least, they are doing their bit. It is high time that the government should take up radical reforms and ensure justice to make our lives safe and secure. Though capital punishment is legal in India, since 1995 there have been only three people who have been hanged until death. Isn’t it shocking in a country like India which is plagued with such a high criminal rate? At least, the capital punishment would be a deterrent for such criminals to commit such heinous crimes. Creating a separate dedicated court, setting a minimum sentence and fine amount for non-rape offences, a minimum term even after conviction, capital punishment for the heinous crimes would surely serve as a deterrent for such crimes. Well, surely there would be a lot that the government, the police and every individual should do, to make this place a better and a secure place to stay. Till then I would just be waiting for the day when I could move around anywhere and anytime without having to worry about anything and when my family back home could relax, watch TV and have popcorn till the time I came back home!