Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ Indian students, charities, and diaspora organizations across the UK have united in a series of events demanding justice following the brutal rape and murder of an on-duty female doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. These gatherings have seen participation from various groups, all aiming to highlight the urgent need for justice and the protection of women’s rights.
Women’s organizations led the charge by organizing peace vigils at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in London’s Parliament Square and in other major cities across the UK on Thursday. The Students’ Federation of India – United Kingdom (SFI-UK) also took action, staging a march in Liverpool on Wednesday.
In London, hundreds gathered at Parliament Square, where candles were lit to spell out the word “Justice.” Participants held placards with messages advocating for respect and empowerment of women. The vigil was a poignant display of solidarity, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds united in their demand for justice.
“We have received overwhelming support from around the world,” said Dipti Jain of the Medicos Women Charity. “It’s clear that the time has come to rise above individual interests and join hands in this cause. These peace protests are part of a broader movement, with units we established in several cities across England, Scotland, and Wales, and even in Belfast and Dublin, where vigils are planned over the weekend. Our global units in the US, Canada, and Australia are also holding peace vigils alongside us.”
Earlier in the week, SFI-UK continued its campaign with a student-led march from London Road to the city center of Liverpool. The march drew attention from locals, who paused to acknowledge and support the cause.
“From Kolkata to Liverpool, we stand for justice and the safety of women,” said Raunak Bhattacharjee, an SFI-UK activist and Master’s student at the University of Liverpool. “This is not just about one case. It’s about the safety of all students, the accountability of institutions, and the fight against corruption. We demand immediate and exemplary punishment for those responsible for this horrific crime,” added Renya Ramakrishnan, an SFI-UK committee member.
The series of protests and vigils across the UK underscores the global outcry against violence towards women, with the diaspora determined to keep the demand for justice alive and unwavering.
