BHUBANESWAR: In an attempt to create awareness about increasing incidents of molestation and to educate victims and by-standers to raise their voices against such crimes, the all women motorcyclists’ group
Odisha Bikerni in association with other bikers’ groups from across India organised a nation-wide ride against molestation here on Sunday. Similar bike rallies were held in other 19 cities across the country at the same time.
“The main objective and idea behind this was to control and stop molestations occurring every now and then along with alerting everyone about it. In fact the event was not just about riding bikes, but to build a stage for action against wrongs of the society. We started this campaign a month ago during which we went to different slums and orphanages, screened short videos on sexual assault and create awareness about the laws and to speak up,” Niralee Nirlipta, member of the Odisha Bikerni group.
Around 150 plus riders from Odisha Bikerni group, Kalinga Motor Sports Club and Biking Republic of Odisha (BRO) participated in the ‘Ride Against Molestation’ rally along with other biking groups such as 3S Riders, TVS Apache RR310, The Moto Gearheadz and Triumph Odisha Riders Club. The ride started from Xavier Square at 8:30am and passed
Jayadev Vihar, Red Cross Square, Ram Mandir, Vani Vihar,
Apollo Hospital Square, Kalinga Hospital Square and then reached the same spot.
“No more molestations in my city, I want to live with dignity, ride against molestation are not just slogans. But it is an initiative by the entire riding community that we won’t tolerate the crimes anymore. Molestation is not just a heinous crime but it is an unacceptable act by any human standards, said Amita Singh another rider.
"Truly appreciate the initiative taken by the youngsters and the Biking community. It is important that all youth be united and they should come together and fight the evils of the society. The laws are very stringent but only if the general public unites such evils from society can be washed out. Government and people should work hand in hand” said city MLA Priyadarshi Mishra.
