On December 10, 2008 two 21 year old Engineering students Swapnika and Praneetha were attacked with concentrated sulphuric acid in Warangal. Swapnika sustained 55% 4th degree burns on the face, scalp, neck, both hands and her right leg. She lost her eyesight completely in the attack. She was admitted in hospital in a very critical condition. Her friend Praneetha also had her face injured and was in a slightly better condition. The attack was allegedly done by one accused Srinivas accompanied by 2 friends on a motorcycle, while the girls were returning from college. After a battle of 20 days for life, Swapnika died in the hospital.
Over the last fews years there have been several incidences of murder and/or acid attack on young women for rejecting advances. Reason for this behaviour next to psychological imbalance can be related to ego, not being able to take no for an answer and not respecting the boundaries of the other person. Next to the obvious responsibility of young men to behave respectfully with the other sexe, it is also important for adults in the lives of these young men to take responsibility for discussing and guiding them in these matters, ideally from an early age onwards. This role can be fulfilled by parents, teachers, other family members and other people that are concerned with safety and psychological well being of young people.
Some people voiced that safety of women and girls is only discussed when such incidents happen. However the issue should be discussed all year round. Until now sufficient and continued attention has not been given to building this type of social skills in young people, especially in those young people who have difficulty with these matters. It is true that the legal system, police and other authorities play a role, which could also become more efficient. However, the social system also plays an important role. Any attitudes which favour men or boys to cross the boundaries of women should be discussed and discouraged in order to create a safe environment of everybody. Creating such a safe environment goes beyond this specific issue to ragging and or eve teasing in general and other types of situations at colleges where boys are also on the receiving end.
Colleges can take preventative safety measures. One suggestion is to set up complaint cells in colleges so that such issues come to light before taking a fatal turning. It is essential to take any complaint a girl makes very seriously. Another measure is to appoint a permanent psychologist. There was a G.O. issued in A.P. that all junior colleges with a number of students above 500 should appoint a psychologist. This has not been implemented till date.
It is essential for any concerned individual and organization to make their voices heard and to take any actions possible for maintaining safe environments of youngsters in Andhra Pradesh, and similarly in the other states of India. Kidpower India is planning to launch Teenpower training to colleges in Andhra Pradesh in 2009.
