Be it elders at home or authorities in college, they take particular care to point out how to keep oneself away from trouble – dress modestly, reach home before it gets dark, avoid walking alone on lonely streets. I do not remember ever being taught to face trouble. Why aren’t we advised to walk boldly, daring a passerby to even try looking at us in an undesirable manner? Why aren’t we taught self defence instead of being forced to feel threatened to walk the streets?

Three years now of living in a city has taught me plenty about men—the middle-aged ones are by far the sleaziest, if you ask me—and their motives. I have learnt to anticipate their moves and rarely these days are men able to ‘accidentally’ brush against me. My best friend once tried to teach me some basic aikido; I wasn’t too keen a learner. I am yet, thankfully, to be in a situation where I might regret not learning some clever moves.

 
As a student of Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, I have to attend many seminars and I get to meet some truly interesting people. Recently I attended the first ever Cyber Media Conclave organized by the students of the institute. One of the most interesting ideas proposed by the seminar was the propagation of [...]

A common sight on the streets, Eve Teasing is one of those things that has joined the long list in the adjusting game we play. No electricity? That’s ok. Adjust. Train two hours late? No problem. Adjust. Man gropes you as you leave college? Chi! But men are like that. You have to learn to adjust. Just ignore it. That’s part of going to college everyday. It is made a joke of, turned into a “harmless prank”. Those who complain are often accused of not having a sense of humour. Worse! “The no means yes” idea that films have managed to keep afloat for years is yet to be really punctured.