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In Houston, doctors from the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin also held a peace vigil, reflecting on the alarming state of safety in Indian medical colleges
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Dr Madhumita Banga, an RG Kar College alumna, emphasized the drastic shift in campus culture, citing an increase in violence and corruption, and called for immediate reform
The Indian diaspora in California is expressing strong solidarity with the ongoing protests in Kolkata, India, over the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor. Demonstrators gathered at several locations across the Bay Area, including Leo J. Ryan Park in Foster City, to demand justice for the victim, Abhaya, and call for systemic reforms in India. The protesters, including men, women, children, and seniors, made it clear that their fight for justice would not waver. “We are not giving up,” said Swati Kanjilal, a Foster City protest coordinator and long-time Bay Area resident, who emphasized the global attention on this case.
On September 8, protests erupted across cities such as Cupertino, Fremont, Dublin, and Manteca, in a globally coordinated effort coinciding with the approaching Supreme Court hearing in India. Protesters performed skits, recited poems, and formed human chains, demanding protection for medical professionals and calling for urgent reforms in the country’s medical education system.
The protests have also sparked international advocacy. Dipa Mondal, President of the Northern California Bengali Association, highlighted their efforts to engage with Indian authorities and U.S. representatives
Dr. Prince Shah, a gastroenterologist from Palo Alto and alumnus of Calcutta Medical College, expressed his dismay at the tragic incident, calling it a failure of the system. He lamented the degradation of safety and integrity in Kolkata’s once-proud medical institutions, saying, “I wish we had not taken our eye off the ball.” Dr. Shah was joined by fellow alumni in voicing concerns over corruption in the medical education system.
Memoranda were submitted to the Indian government via the Consulate General in San Francisco and to Congressman Ro Khanna’s office. The community calls for continued action from the global Indian diaspora to ensure that justice is served.
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