Surprise!

I set up Google alerts to let me know when my name appears on the web. Mostly I get to hear about other Sheila Crosbys, but occasionally I find reviews of my stories that I didn't know about, and just once, someone who'd reprinted a whole story, including the "Original fiction exclusive to Cosmos Online" bit at the top. (They took it down when I asked).

I was very surprised to find my name in an Indian newspaper, and even more surprised to find out that, yes, it's me. The columnist liked the comment I left on the Facebook group of Pub-going, Loose and Forward Women. Since it's the only comment quoted, and goes right at the end where it's going to get noticed, I'm very flattered.

Knickers to them!

On January 24th, a group of women were having a peaceful drink in a bar in Mangalore, and they were attacked by a group of 40 men for being "unIndian". See http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7852837.stm. Big heroes NOT!

They're members of a group called Sri Ram Sena, who see themselves as self-appointed guardians, "preserving Indian culture and moral values." Their leader, Pramod Mutalik, said, "What my men did was right. The media is using this small incident to malign the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) government in the state."

He's entitled to his views, of course. He's not entitled to encourage thugs to beat up women. And he's threatening a repeat performance for couples on Valentine's day. (The Sri Ram Sena also have a bee in their bonnet about Valentine's day, because it's western.)

Something snapped. A group of Indian women organised a truly creative, non-violent protest. They formed a Facebook group of Pub-going, Loose and Forward Women, and they're sending pink knickers to Mr. Muthalik on Valentine's day. I really hope someone gets a photo of his postbag.

http://thepinkchaddicampaign.blogspot.com/

If you want to join in, here's the postal address:
From: The Pink Chaddi Campaign,
To: Pramod Muthalik,
Sri Rama Sene Office
No. 11, Behind new bus stand,
Gokhul road,
Lakshmi park,
Hubli - Karnataka