Kolkata, West Bengal Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul and several celebrities on Friday night took part in a women’s march in the metropolis on the eve of Independence Day.
The ‘Freedom Beyond Midnight’ march in the city was aimed at instilling confidence among women to move around and live freely as per the law. Thousands of women and others were a part of the ‘Reclaim the Night’ programme, marching through the streets demanding safety and justice.
“India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, but women’s battle for independence across the country and West Bengal are continuously evolving,” Paul said, addressing the gathering before the walkathon began. The minister said the sacrifices of women in attaining India’s freedom must not be forgotten. “Pritilata Waddedar, Matangini Hazra, Kalpana Dutta, Bina Das, Aruna Asaf Ali… the list is endless,” she said. Paul said that women – from farmers to entrepreneurs to teachers – were regularly fighting to establish their place in a male-dominated society. “The change that has taken place is that we women are standing tall to announce we can also do what a man can,” said Paul, who was a successful entrepreneur before delving into politics.
