This year India celebrated Valentine's Day by pledging to stop violence against women along with the "One Billion Rising" campaign which was held at various cities across the Nation.
[Click here to see pictures of the "One Billion Rising" Campaign]
In Delhi the campaign pulled thousands onto the streets to dance and hold rallies against the rising cases of violence and sexual assault against women. Citizens, both men and women, signed banners to support the campaign with its popular slogan: "stop violence against women".
The campaign was held in several places in the national capital including Chandni Chowk, Vishwavidyalaya, New Delhi stations, Parliament Street and at Jantar Mantar.
In Kolkata, hundreds of women participated in the "One Billion Rising" campaign by singing and dancing their way to Shahid Minar on the St Valentine's Day. Many more joined the rally till College Square to voice their support for the campaign.
Women Organizations in Ranchi protested against the rising crime rate against women by forming a human chain at Firayalal Chowk. They held out placards with the message: 'Every 22 minutes a girl or a woman is raped in India. This is how India worships its women' to create awareness among the common people and urging them to join the campaign, reported The Times Of India.
In Bangalore, programmes including dance, poetry, paintings, street plays were a part of the "One Billion Rising" campaign which was organised at Cubbon Park. Numerous NGO, school students, activists, survivors took part in the event.
Another city to support the One Billion Rising campaign with great enthusiasm was Mumbai. The metro city held planned performances, which included women flash mobs and dances progrmmes with the message of stop violence against women.
The campaign was also held in various other cities across nation including Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, Cochin, Bhopal, Shillong, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Guwahati and at Chanmari in Mizoram.
"One Billion Rising'" is a worldwide campaign initiated by Eve Ensler, author of the famous play "The Vagina Monologues". The movement aims to end violence aginst women. In addition it also fights for justice and gender equality. It is celebrated on 14 February worldwide along with Valentine's Day
Have a look at the One Billion Rising (Break the Chain) by New Light girls campaign to end violence:
