ORANGE COUNTY, CA: Men and women of different faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds came together to support and honor one single black circle: “Justice for Damini”. The Candlelight Vigil, organized by Sikh Women Now, a southern California based women’s non-profit organization, was held at the Sikh Center of Orange County, to offer prayers and tribute to the 23-year-old Delhi rape victim.
Her death has awakened a revolt against human injustice in communities locally and abroad. Representatives from several women’s organizations met and shared startling statistics of rape, domestic violence and sexual battery against both men and women, irrespective of age, class or ethnic background. Among the notable speakers was Marissa Presley, Director of Laura’s House, Anu Jain from Sahara, Rashmi Gill of Advance Advocacy project, UK and Dawn Foor of Rape Prevention Advisory Board of the state of California.
Dr. Gurpreet Ahuja, representing California Sikh Council, brought insight from a Sikh male perspective along with the religion’s fundamental principle of equal respect between the two genders. The event ended with a Sikh religious hymn and prayers for Damini and her family. By the close of the evening, there were few dry eyes and the hall was charged with passionate emotions ranging from grief and sadness for, to, disgust and rage against ongoing brutality against women in all communities.
There was also a sense of release for many present, as experienced by a SWN volunteer when a woman unknown to her embraced her tightly and cried, saying, “Thank you for organizing this event”. The strong message received by the congregation was assuming individual responsibility and being fearless to rise and revolt against women abuse.
Minu Singh, Director of Sikh Women Now, aptly stated, “Today I feel empowered, not afraid to raise my voice against this evil”.
India Post News Service
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