Breaking down the Wall

I stumbled across this thought-piece I had written in the autumn of 2015 in Delhi.

To provide a brief context, it was centered around an event in a state university by a local group called the Pinjra Tod (Break the cage) based in Delhi, that has of 2019 has become riddled with divisive politics. However, more significantly, this reflection is not centered on the development of the group, but on the message it promoted. 

Pinjra Tod, a protest movement against moral policing, unleashed on women hostels and paying guests facilities, in the name of security, recently organized a screening of their short film titled 'Breaking down the Wall' at Ambedkar University.

In the dimly lit CR-11 room of Ambedkar University, almost 30 people gathered to watch the movie which most considered was meant for a 'good cause'.

A poignant talkie, it encapsulated various interviews of hostelers. Facing small technical hiccups, the screening was conducted keeping in mind the upcoming 'Jan Sunwai' on 10th October (2015) and it did succeed in inciting an interest for the same.

  

Accessed by The Indian Express, 22 Sept 2015

Certain moments in the film struck a chord with audience such as when a Mirandian (a student of Miranda House, Delhi University) recounted an encounter where the warden responded to her query regarding access to her hostel’s terrace with a resounding no, and said, ''beta bachelors se masters mai aa gaye ho, ladki se ladka nahi ban gaye ho (Girl, you have graduated from undergraduate to postgraduate, not become a man from a woman).'' Such blatant gender discriminatory statements obviously outraged many and lead to a spree of interaction and recounting of experiences during the post-film discussion. 

An audience member narrated an incident where she was so conditioned to the 8 'o' clock deadline that on an occasion when she had to step out fan urgent work at 7:55 pm, she didn't even realize that the gates were open, not closed. Instead of simply walking out she spent 5 minutes requesting the guard to open the door, until it was pointed out to her that the door was already open. Such a simple act of deadline has left a scarring impact on the psyche of thousands of women students who don't object to forceful regulation and obedience. 

Such resonating anecdotes did encourage the audience to connect with the movement, however, the mood in the hall was also sprinkled with apprehension. Inquiries were made about administration's response and subsequent, possible negotiations. These doubts were answered deftly by the presenters. According to them, authorities like Delhi Commissioner for Women were open to the idea of dialogue which was an optimistic sign.

However, the atmosphere after the discussion, within the university was radically different. 

A small minority expressed trust in the protest but most students believed that the movement will be short lived and won't really yield any result. Some also stated that extending the deadline won't be a feasible idea since Delhi is the 'rape capital'. Such notions are completely ingrained in students’ minds. However, the need of the hour is to change this mindset. Making the city safe is only possible when students especially women reclaim the space and time that has been denied to them. Being forced to become a minority, it's about time ''minority influence'' challenges authority. The movement has a pan-Indian appeal to it and is finding reverberation across boundaries. It's now a real possibility that with the collaboration of authorities and campaigners and persistent efforts of students, the wall will be broken down.

Tough questions will be raised for both the campaigners towards the authorities. Cross questioning will occur. Hopefully, these issues will be addressed in a constructive manner in the 'Jan Sunwai' that will be held on 10th October (2015) at Jantar Mantar.

Four years later, can we say that this ideal has been realized? Of course not. Public spaces of Delhi do not welcome women after night. Yes, there are many places in the world that does the same, but why, after so many movements, debates, discussions, conversations, has this not changed? Why is patriarchy still persisting?

Patriarchy has been changing over time. But if one reads Anis Kidwai’s In Freedom’s Shade, one will come across a passage that describes how she and her friend enjoyed post-midnight walks in central Delhi just prior to the 1947 violence. Certainly, the streets have not always been as inaccessible as they are right now. Are we then regressing?

In polite conversations, displeasure against discrimination and sexism is expressed, but very rarely is non-discriminatory behavior adopted in everyday life. Isn’t it about time this issue become a concern for everyone? Isn’t it time to bring this change? What are we still waiting for? Aren’t years of emotional stunt enough? There are no physical barriers present, no curfew stopping access. Yet, the restriction persists. Accessing the world outside of homes, with a sense of autonomy still remains an elusive dream. Marred with class, caste, gender overtones, the simple act of walking on the streets in the moonlight remains an everyday struggle for many people in Delhi.