Spiking cases of Revenge Porn in India- An alarm!

Riddhi still gets goosebumps when she recalls the events that happened 7 years ago. She calls her traumatized mind “a grave, where all of her dreams died”. “It was the start of the hell” when she got to know that she was getting posted everywhere, she said. Her father, who was a school teacher, got to see her videos on his student’s cell phone. It was even more embarrassing for her when he told her mum and other family members about the same. For an Indian girl of a conservative family, it was a death bed she was sleeping on. Being beaten, locked, she could not stop crying for days. Her cell phone was seized and was not allowed to meet any of her friends.

Her relatives, neighbors and most of the people around her have seen the videos. The fact that everyone knows how I look without clothes, how I respond and so, is so very embarrassing. Initially, some people could not believe it was her video, but they looked and they were! So many videos of her were available online with millions of views, downloads, and shares. In an orthodox society, she gradually became the talk of the town. Her personal life was not personal anymore, and most of all, she thought it could not be personal ever again. People justifying her body, counting her moles, discussing her lips, abusing her like authority, become the everyday norm. 

Inside, she knew it would never go away! She tried to kill herself, harmed herself multiple times but this could not turn down her video from the internet. Isolating herself was the only option if she continued living. Losing a job, receiving threats for her and her family was not a shocking event at all.

She tried every possible escape, changed her appearance, changed her name, changed her city, but how could she change her fear, the fear to be exposed, the fear of being identified, and the fear of being ashamed about herself. After a couple of years, she decided to go public, to fight with her culprit legally. 

“I used to be ashamed about it, but now when I got my senses, I’m a bit more empowered,” said Riddhi. “I refuse to be silent; I was tired of the assault, the threats. People think it’s OK to say: ‘You shouldn’t have taken the pictures.’ Would you tell a rape victim she shouldn’t have worn a short skirt?

“I’m in a relationship now and if my partner and I are apart and I want to send him a picture, I’ll do it. Telling women not to take a photo isn’t the answer,” she says. “Some women are coerced into it. Others have their pictures taken when they’re asleep or in the shower, without their knowledge. You can end up on deep fake stuff that everyone believes is real. You just don't need to exist to become a victim.” She is still fighting for herself and for women like her.

She continued fighting for 4 years, many times she decided to give up but then the fight of her existence kept on bothering her. 

A game-changing conviction that could shake up a controversial industry- A guilty verdict of a man who happens to be her ex-boyfriend. After 6 years of struggle, ups and downs he got arrested. The police found out that he had posted thousands of nude and sexually exclusive photos of many of his ex-lovers on his website. He said, he enjoys it when nude pictures and videos are splashed across the website, women who ditched him were humiliated miserably. He thought he just gave them a lesson, which was pretty common after the breakup.

Luckily he was taken down in custody following his location. He accepted that the whole idea was to take revenge on ladies who ditched him and moved on. The conviction is a good victory for a very big list of victims who had been stalked but were unable to do anything. Well, her ex was charged and received a six-month suspended sentence. Since this abuse is not categorized as a sex crime, he could not pay the price that he should! India doesn't have any specific laws to deal with revenge porn but various acts like the Indian Penal Code and Information Technology Act have given leverage to the victims who claim justice.

There are thousands of cases like Riddhi, some break down and die, others get used to humiliation, while some fight back.

Hey, lovely Readers, India might take many years for legislation of such laws, but till that humanity can take a stand, we can take a strong stand. The norms might not be able to help the victims but we can! We don't even need to fight her battle, we can simply help by not sharing, not letting anyone share, deleting if we can, and not threatening the victim. Guys, is that very tough? I guess no! Promise me, dear readers, next time you see such pictures or videos, you won't share or discuss at least.

Not everything you lose is a loss

The best, best friend, Kajal Thareja!

Back in 2016, aged 18 Sakshi, got someone she could actually rely on, whom she could trust more than herself. She got a person who she thought will never leave. From the moment she noticed the efforts that were made just for her smile, she was pretty sure that Kajal is meant to be her best friend. She just didn’t know it yet.

It was the very first day of college, she spotted Kajal while going for classes. She was so pretty, a proper Punjabi girl with a sweet voice. She had worn specs and was sitting on the second last bench, just in front of her!

She was a bit shy to initiate conversation, so Sakshi had to do that. She went into her room in the hostel and spoke continuously for half an hour. That was just a moment between an extremely introvert and an extrovert.

Well, time passed and they got to know they can actually be good friends! 

Hello Readers, This is Sakshi Mishra. It's 8th of November, Kajal's birthday, and I feel this is a perfect day to write for this crazy girl.

Once I casually said that I don’t like loud, decorative celebrations, I don’t like people hooting and wasting cakes. I just need 1 friend, 1 pastry, 1 candle, and lots of love. Approx a month later, I got a surprise, she switched off the light and blew the candle. She had a truffle pastry in her hands. The atmosphere was exactly how I wanted. There was no noise at all, just the truffle and our endless talks.

That moment, I realized she was always meant to be my best friend, I just didn’t know it earlier.

There were many incidents like this. Even the smallest wish of mine was fulfilled beautifully.

I may not be able to tell her how special she is, so I chose this way.

 

Well, I have many friends. Some of them are studious, some are careless, and some are stylish while some are simple. Some of them are creative, some feel sleepy the whole day

Some are well- mannered and some are abusive.

Many of them are entertaining while many are boring

But, Kajal..she had all of these qualities

She is one of the most fun-loving people I met, but wait. She is one of the toppers of our batch.

Dear Kajal,

You always say that once classes will start, or new people will arrive, I will stop missing you, but deep inside I know even if I make thousands of new friends, they can never fill the space you had in my life.

I don’t know how to tell you that I cannot love anyone the way I loved you, I cannot pamper friends they way I did for you, I cannot cook for anyone, I cannot cry on any shoulder except yours, and I know I cannot share my weaknesses and insecurities with anyone else than you.

 

I miss you, I miss you very badly. I want to go canteen in night pajamas again, I want to watch late-night movies, I want to cook Maggie for you, I want to criticize you again, I want to share my stuff with you, I want to go on an outing with you again and show my right on everything you have.

I promise, you will be my last best friend. Even if I change, even if we would not talk, or I get busy with new people around, I will still be my favorite person.

 

I want to share your lipsticks. I want you to wear that scary eye makeup again.

I know you will be there for me I trust you, but I don’t trust myself if I would be able to stay without you or not.

No one felt me the way you did. No other than you can hear me 24*7, no one can keep my secrets safer than me. None can give new stuff to use first, No other person wasted her weekends for my waxing. No other person enjoyed my happiness. No other best friend can be better than you.

Not everyone can give me life suggestion even if her own life is messed up, no one can handle my mood swings, no one took care of me during illness, none fought for me, no one cried for me, none believed me the way you did.

Happy Birthday Panda

You are the best, best friend. Thanks for coming into my life. I love you!!

 

 

A Day in Vrindavan and Gokul- Travel Blog 2/2

Radhe Radhe

So after the wonderful day in Barsana, the next spots were Vrindavan and Gokul. I hope you will like this part too.

Kesi Ghat

This lovely place is commemorating the glorious victory of Lord Krishna over the terrifying Keshi demon. Situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, Keshi Ghat is counted amongst the most popular tourist attractions in Vrindavan. Legend has it that after slaying the demon Keshi (after which the ghat is named), Lord Krishna took a bath at this ghat. Keshi was the horse demon that was sent by Krishna’s evil uncle Kansa to kill him. Since then, devotees visiting Vrindavan make a point to take a dip in the holy water. In the evenings, a special aarti is performed at the ghat for the Yamuna Devi. Keshi Ghat, now a major bathing center in Vrindavan, is visited by numerous pilgrims and photo enthusiasts on an everyday basis.

Man in the frame- Manoj Kr. Mahali

(p.c. Aditya Bharadwaj)

Historical stories of Krishna at Keshi Ghat

Kesi Ghat is named after the famous pastime of the young boy Krishna, in which he annihilated the demonic horse monster Keshi. Legend has it that Krishna’s evil Uncle Kansa sent the gigantic horse to trample young Krishna to death.

After easily dispatching the demon by grabbing his legs and hurling him away, Krishna was attacked again by Keshi rushing towards him with an open mouth intent on devouring the small child. Krishna deftly thrust his fist into the demon’s mouth suffocating him and causing him to explode. To wash off the filth of the Keshi demon from his pure body, Krishna went into the Yamuna River to bathe. 

Bankey Bihari temple

The Bankey Bihari temple, Vrindavan is amongst the holiest and famous temples of Krishna in India. Shri Swami Haridas got Bankey Bihari Ji appeared in Nidhivan. The idol of Thakur Ji is much older and was worshipped in Nidhivan till 1863. This temple was constructed in 1864 with the contribution of Goswamis. After constructing the temple, Goswamis transferred the idol to this temple. Bankey means “Bent at three places” and Bihari means “supreme enjoyer”. Bankey Bihari Ji is worshiped and looked after as a child. There is a different and unique style of celebrating every festival in the Bankey Bihari temple. The deity is dressed up and offered cuisine (bhog, prasad) according to season. Temple is decorated with lights and various types of flowers according to the festival. There are no bells or conch in the temple because Bankey Bihari does not like the sound of bells or conch, there is the only chant of ‘Radha Naam’. When someone enters the temple, he feels eternal bliss and calm and forgets all misery. As soon as someone meets with Thakur Ji, he becomes dedicating himself to Thakur Ji. Kind-hearted Thakur Ji demolishes his problem and blesses him with His divine grace how far he is.

Prem Mandir, Vrindavan

Also known as the temple of divine love, Prem Mandir, Imbued with elegance, and grandeur is dedicated to Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna, and Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. It was shaped and designed by Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj in 2001, and is sprawled over 54 acres. Considered as one of the most beautiful and elegant structures in Vrindavan, this Italian white marble temple is dedicated to the major events of Lord Krishna’s life and the interiors depict those scenes, including the raising of Govardhan Hill.

A grand music fountain, where a pleasing sound and light show takes place in the evening, is one of the most interesting attractions of this religious site. The pathways through the garden, a restaurant, shop, and fountains are all part of the temple. Prayers and assemblies are held in a large, pillar-less, dome-shaped Satsang hall that can accommodate as many as 25,000 people at a time.

Today, it is run and maintained by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, an international non-profit, educational, spiritual, and charitable trust. It is a much-frequented religious site for couples, young and old, who come here to be inspired by the eternal bond of who are perhaps the greatest examples of love and devotion in Indian mythology.

Made out of white marble and adorned with very intricate carvings, this temple is also famous for its architectural beauty. Statues of Shri Krishna and his admirers, portraying essential occasions surrounding the Lord's life, cover the main temple. Various scenes from Krishna's life, like raising the Govardhan Mountains have been depicted on the periphery of the Prem Mandir. The lighting of the temple further glorifies its spectacular look, especially during the night. The colored water twists and twirls to the tunes of the kirtans of Radha Krishna being played nearby and are an audio-visual delight.

 

Raman Reti

This pious place is believed to have been the sporting place of Laddu Gopal (baby Krishna) in Gokul. Reti means sand and thus in the sand of this sacred place is blessed by the lotus feet of the baby Krishna. Thus this place is revered among the people of Braj. It is believed that at this place Lord Krishna during his childhood used to play with Lord Balram and his other gopa friends. So, due to its association with Krishna, this land has been used by many saints for their meditation. A small shrine by the name of Rang Bihari Ji is located at this place which was established and worshipped by a pious saint Sri Gyandas Ji Maharaj who performed his severe austerities for the blessings of Lord Krishna while fasting at this sacred place of Raman Reti. It is also believed that saint Gyandas founded this place of Raman Reti.

Raman Reti is the sand in which Lord Krishna played as a child. In more recent times, about 200 years ago, the famous Saint, Swami Gyandas Ji did severe penance at Raman Reti for 12 years. Pleased with his devotion, The Lord appeared before him and today you can find a Raman Bihari Ji Temple at that place. Today devotees roll over the sand here and seek the blessings of Lord Krishna.

Some more pictures from the Mathura trip

Most of the beautiful pictures were clicked by Aditya Bharadwaj, who is a professional photographer from GLA University.  You can contact him at 9219780770 or Aditya60bharadwaj@gmail.com for an appointment. For now, have a glimpse of his work

 Thank you very much for stopping by!

A Day in Barsana- Travel Blog 1/2

Radhe-Radhe

Some of you might have visited so many of the holy places. We all love such places, not just for beauty, but also for the historical beliefs and to feel the culture more closely, Right?

When I came to Mathura, 4 years back, I was amazed by the beautiful temples and the mythological stories related to this city as well as nearby places. So I will be sharing my experience with these lovely places along with the associated historical beliefs. Trust me, by the end of this blog, you will be known to many of the places and stories, you have never heard.

So, the first place I will be telling you about is Barsana, which is world-famous for Lathmar holi. The highlights for the towns that are said to be associated with a Hindu legend related to Lord Krishna and Radha.

Thousands of men from all parts of Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh come to Radha Rani temple in a village called Barsana. After a small ritual ceremony, everyone gathers in the temple compound and in the famous narrow lane in front of it called ‘Rang Rangeeli Gali’ (the colorful lane).

The celebration starts with women smearing color on men and they make sure no one’s left out. Villagers sing folk songs and women dance for their audience. Sweet shops overflow with a cold drink called thandai which is prepared with an edible form of cannabis called bhang. On the next day, men arrive in Barsana again, and this time they try to smear color on the women in the village. Then, the women take out sticks and try to beat the men who save themselves with shields. While men try to save them and each other, the women shout and cheer for their friends and urge them to chase and hit harder. All this is done in jest and everyone gathered participates in the fun.

The mythological story of Lath Mar Holi

Indian mythological stories write about Lord Krishna in different stages of his life. In his days as a young man, he was mischievous and playful. He often visited Barsana, the village where his beloved Radha used to live. Once, days before Holi, the Indian festival of colors, Krishna visited Barsana with his friends, and, together, they teased Radha and her companions. Taking offense to this, Radha’s friends chased the men away with sticks. Lath Mar Holi festival is a re-enactment of this legend

The celebrations are in good spirits and so is the commemoration of the tales associated with the place. There are vibrancies and good cheer all around that depict the true spirits of Mathura. It is one of the biggest festivals in North India is closely associated with Indian mythology. One must definitely visit Mathura during the festival of Holi to immerse themselves in the wonderful colors of love and happiness. 

 

Radha rani temple

Shri Radha Rani Temple is a prominent temple in Barsana. Located at approx 43 km from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh Barsana village is one of the most revered places that appeals devotees across the world. Being the homeland and birthplace of Shri Radha Rani, this little suburb of the Braj region is believed to be amongst the favorite spot of divine destinations not only for pilgrims but also for travelers with spiritual instincts. The Radha Rani temple in the city is also known as Ladli Lalji or Shree Ji temple. Ladli lal Ji or Shree Ji means beloved Radha. 

Radha Rani is believed to be the Goddess of Brajwasis. She is believed to be the secret power of Lord Krishna. For Brajwasis, Radha Rani is not just a consort of Krishna, but the ultimate source of his prowess. Due to her eminent character, she is the only worshipped Goddess of the Braj region. The Radha Rani Temple in Barsana is believed to be the place where Shreeji is always omnipresent and is believed to be a blessing every pilgrim visiting the temple with unending devotion. 

Unknown facts about the Shriji Temple

Located on the Bhanugarh hill, the Shriji temple in Barsana is believed to be 5000 years old. The name of the hill came from Shri Radha Rani’s father’s name Vrishbhanu. Barsana is famous worldwide as it is dedicated to Radha-Krishna. People all around the world come to visit the place as a pilgrimage. According to legends, Barsana is the place where Shri Radha Rani was born and brought up amongst her friends. Shri Krishna used to come to Barsana to meet her beloved Shri Radha.

According to the legends, Shri Krishna’s father Nand Maharaj Ji and Shri Radha’s father Vrishbhanu Maharaj were good friends and used to live in Gokul and Rawal respectively. Due to the atrocities of Kansa, both Nand Maharaj and Vrishbhanu shifted to Nandgaon. Since Vrishbhanu resided on Bhanugarh Hill, the place became home to Radha Rani, where the temple is built today. Krishna and Radha’s pastime stories are innumerable and Barsana witnessed some of them. It is said that Krishna used to come to Barsana to play Holi with Shri Radha Rani. Till date, this ritual is religiously followed by the locals here. The men of Nandgaon still comes to play Holi with the women of Barsana. People from all over the world come to see this soul binding festivity and celebrate Holi here. The temple resonates with the soulful spiritual vibrations the whole year which gains momentum during festive times like Radhashtmi and Holi.

Kirti Temple of Radha Krishna at Barsana

This is the only temple in the world which is dedicated to Kirti Maa who according to the legends is considered to be the Mother of Shri Radha Ji.

 

As we approached Barsana the home town of Shri Radha Ji the daughter of Brisbhan Ji we had the chantings and the prosody coming to the ears all around Radhe Krishna. The very first sight of the temple captured my eyes and my heart throbbed for my dedication to Krishna and Radha and I could not stop uttering myself Hare Krishna Hare Radha.

The temple in itself with the grand scale of architecture and the magnificent rock-cut carvings done out of pale and buff-colored sandstone captivated my heart and I was immersed in deep devotion as it is commonly said ‘a thing of beauty is a joy forever’. Visiting inside the sanctum I found the statue of baby Radha sitting in the lap of her mother which is the only kind of statue in the world.

To be continued...