Letter to my Prime Minister

'...You, the men of this country are at war with women. Yes Prime Minster, whether or not you yourself lord it over a woman in thoughts, words or deeds, by being a man in our culture, you are part of this war. Have you ever lived feeling vulnerable and at risk at all times, every day through your life? Can you conceive of it? Imagine being consciously or unconsciously at afraid for your safety constantly. Your every move, your actions, where you go, when you go, how you go, how you eat or sleep or stand, what you wear, are all determined by this vulnerability and the need to feel safe. In our homes, while urinating or defecating, going to school, getting home, falling asleep, taking a bus, going to the movies or out to eat, or just crossing a road or field, women are at a risk of being abused, shoved, felt up, molested, verbally assaulted, stripped and dragged, raped or have acid thrown over them. Yes, women from all walks of life, but especially poor and Dalit women...

You, Prime Minister should have addressed the nation after Badaun. You have not, You speak of terrorists and of keeping the country safe from them. But what about keeping 600 million women safe? No war or terrorist attack, not even the big killer, road accidents, puts so many people under genuine threat at all times. And yet you remain silent.'