KOCHI: Social activist Daya Bai on Wednesday lauded the actress who was abducted and assaulted in February this year for standing up to the culprits. “Several women in cinema may have had a bitter experience. But they never dared to speak out like the actress did. By being silent, they are supporting the wrongdoers,” she told reporters here.
“Such incidents are not new to society. They indicate the social system’s failure. The victimised actress had the support of different people. But there are several women who face sexual harassment and get alienated from society,” she said.
Expressing ridicule over the catcalls the accused actor was subjected to while being taken to court the other day, Daya Bai said, “People should be more realistic. The accused have only been arrested. The judicial process still remains,” she said.
Daya Bai narrated several instances when she faced atrocities from people in Madhya Pradesh and how she had felt all alone. “For the people, I decided to continue my work despite the negative experiences,” she said.
Adivasis uprooted from their surroundings in Kerala
On the conditions of the Adivasi community in Kerala, Daya Bai said, “Unlike their counterparts in Madhya Pradesh, the Adivasis in Kerala have been uprooted from their surroundings. The ministers here say they are spending crores for the community’s welfare. But what good are the funds if the Adivasis have lost their surroundings. The Adivasis here lived in a community system. That system has become non-existent now,” she said.