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Indian Express
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Demanding creation of ‘National Commission for Men', bikers on 16,000-km journey
A group of bikers riding across 20 states on a 16,000-km mission stopped in Chandigarh on Monday with a singular demand: the creation of a National Commission for Men. The campaign, Ride for Men's Commission 2.0, aims to bring national attention to what they describe as growing neglect of men's issues, including mental health, rising male suicides, domestic violence, and the alleged misuse of gender-based laws. The bikers, led by internationally recognised riders Dr Amjadkhan Nadim Shaikh and Sandeep Pawaria, addressed the media at the Chandigarh Press Club. Their second edition of the awareness ride began on May 31 from Faridabad. Riding over 500 km daily, the team is halting in major cities to hold press conferences and public interactions. 'Rain, heat or storm — nothing can stop this mission,' said Dr Shaikh, underscoring the group's resolve despite monsoon disruptions. Pawaria added, 'A Men's Commission must be formed. All are equal, whether man or woman. Yet, men are being disrespected even within their families. This isn't confined to one state; it's a nationwide issue.' The movement is backed by over 40 NGOs across India. Rohit Dogra, a founding member of the Save India Family (Chandigarh chapter), stressed the urgency of institutional action. 'Cruelty against men is three times more than against women. There's a growing gender war in the country, and if the government doesn't act, it will only escalate,' he said. 'We're not against women. We are against gender-biased laws.' Quoting Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, Dogra asked why men are excluded from its promise in practice. 'The government speaks of equality under Article 15, which prohibits gender-based discrimination, but there is none for men. Article 21 promises life and personal liberty, yet no one cares about men's life or liberty.' The campaign gained national attention following the Atul Subhash case, in which a man from Maharashtra died by suicide in April this year, allegedly after being falsely accused in a domestic violence case. Men's rights groups claim his case reflects the broader misuse of gender-specific laws and the lack of institutional mechanisms to support male victims. On April 19, members of the campaign held a protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, calling for urgent policy intervention and recognition of male abuse survivors. Among those supporting the ride is Shalini Ranyal, a biker and podcaster. 'Through my podcast and this ride, I stand equally for both men and women. Women have laws and NGOs; men have almost nothing. That needs to change,' she said. According to Ranyal, 80 to 90 men and women riders have joined the cause so far. The bikers have already travelled through Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Patna, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Goa. Their next stretch includes Jammu, Kargil, Leh, Manali, Shimla, and will conclude with their return to Delhi.
Hindustan Times
01-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: A forgotten uprising reimagined: Rana Preet Gill chronicles 'The Ghadar Movement'
The Chandigarh Press Club witnessed the launch of 'The Ghadar Movement', the fifth book by acclaimed author and veterinary officer Rana Preet Gill. Her latest work sheds light on revolutionary movements against British colonialism. The book traces the rise of an international rebellion conceived in 1913 by Indian immigrants in the United States. Led by figures like Lala Har Dayal and Kartar Singh Sarabha, the Ghadarites aimed to incite a mutiny within the British-Indian Army by smuggling arms into India. Though ultimately unsuccessful, the movement left an indelible mark on India's freedom struggle. The book was launched by Rahul Bhandari, IAS, principal secretary to the department of animal husbandry, dairy development and fisheries. Present at the launch were Prof Harish Puri and Prof Chaman Lal, retired JNU professor and honorary adviser, Bhagat Singh Archives. Both lauded Gill's effort to document this important yet overlooked chapter in India's revolutionary past. Speaking at the event, Gill said, 'This book is a tribute to the forgotten heroes who dared to dream of a free India from foreign soil. Their courage and sacrifice deserve to be remembered.' 'The Ghadarites may have failed in their mission, but they lit a spark that inspired future revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh. Their story needs to be told and retold,' she added. Known for her previous novels and journalistic writing, Rana Preet Gill brings both passion and precision to her narrative, making 'The Ghadar Movement' a compelling read for history enthusiasts and patriots alike. About the author Rana Preet Gill is a veterinary officer with the animal husbandry department in Punjab. She has authored four books―three novels―Those College Years, The Misadventures of a Vet, Maya and a collection of middles titled Finding Julia. Her articles and short stories have been published in The Tribune, Hindustan Times, The Hindu, The Statesman, The New Indian Express, Deccan Herald, The Hitavada, Daily Post, Women's Era, Commonwealth Writers Journal, Himal and others.
Hindustan Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Journalist-turned-author Jagtar Singh's book traces Sikh struggles over a century
At a time when the Khalistan narrative, pushed by a section of Punjab-origin diaspora , is impacting India's relations with some of the Western countries , it is important to trace its origins. And that's precisely what journalist-turned-author Jagtar Singh's latest book, 'Sikh Struggle Documents 1920 to 2022' does. The book was released at the Chandigarh Press Club on Saturday. Singh, a former political correspondent of the Indian Express, said that the concept of Khalistan first emerged in 1940 as a response to the Pakistan Resolution adopted by the Muslim League. Initially proposed by Dr VS Bhatti of Ludhiana, the idea of an independent Sikh state garnered more attention from Congress than from the Akalis,he added. Jagtar got to witness the rise of militant preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale from close quarters after he was transferred from Chandigarh to Amritsar in 1979. The book contains around 180 documents, including the communication between former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and the then Akali Dal president Sant Harchand Singh Longowal that paved the way for the signing of Rajiv-Longowal Accord in July 1985. These documents have not appeared in the public domain until now. In the present-day scenario, the author says, the Khalistan discourse has significantly strained India's relations with Canada and is seen as an irritant in the context of the United States, particularly following the foiled attempt on the life of Sikhs for Justice leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. The author's other books include 'Rivers on Fire – Khalistan Struggle', and 'Kalapani: Punjabis' Role in Freedom Struggle'.
