Candles, prayers as scores remember Delhi victim in Singapore

Scores of people lit candles and pledged to do their bit to ensure respect and safety for women, as they assembled together in the memory of the Delhi gang-rape victim, who passed away at a hospital here a month back.

Over 300 people assembled together last evening and held a candle light vigil under the theme ‘Lighting the flame of hope for a better tomorrow’ as they remembered the 23-year-old girl who became a symbol for massive protests in India.

The meet also saw professionals sharing their views and perspectives on violence against women, gender bias and law and order.

The talks were interspersed by motivational songs, said Amita Sarwal, who led a group of volunteers to organise the Sunday evening vigil.

The girl who was flown to Singapore’s Mount Elizabeth Hospital after spending over 10 days in Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital, died on December 29.

“We believe that shared remembrance and group participation itself is a positive statement as opposed to just doing nothing at all,” said Amita, who hails for India but resides in Singapore.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from people in Singapore from all walks of life — educationists, doctors, lawyers, artists, musicians, writers, professionals, and many more,” she said.

“The event was to remind each one of us that this journey of change has just begun, a pledge was taken by all present, basically, promising to do their bit to take a stand on women’s equality, respect and safety,” Amita said.

The December 16 incident that happened on a moving bus in Delhi sparked angry protests in the Indian capital.

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