Night occupation program

Politics and Bureaucracy

The movement that shook Mamata's stronghold

On August 14, just before India's Independence Day, Kolkata was engulfed in a surge of protests that I had never seen in my lifetime. The call was for women to "occupy the night." Little did I expect that this call would erupt into a storm, sweeping across not just Kolkata but throughout India’s streets, alleys, known and unknown towns, and small cities. I attended a nearby gathering, and soon after, the flood of people swept me along. My wife, struggling with foot pain, and her friend pushed ahead. Today, the call was for half the sky to rise, and so they stood at the forefront.