A song asking the perpetrator of abuse to think from the perspective of the victim; paintings that depict the theme of bullying; a cycle tour from Bengaluru to Mumbai to spread awareness — this is what a 15-year-old has embarked on to get people to 'Speak out' against bullying and sexual abuse.
Maharshi Sanket, a student of Treamis World School, launched the campaign to break the silence around abuse.
“We keep hearing news about rape and abuse every day, so much so that people have become used to it. I have seen many of my friends who have silently endured abuse, unable to speak about the trauma. All of this is disturbing. I wanted to do something about it," said Sanket.
To spread awareness among people in rural and urban areas, he decided to go on a cycle tour from Bengaluru to Mumbai, covering towns and cities along the way. “I chose to cycle because unlike travelling by a car, this ensures there are no barriers and brings you closer to people,” the young campaigner said.
He started from Cubbon Park on May 21 and will bicycle through Tumakuru, Sira, Chitradurga, Davangere, Haveri, Dharwad, Belagavi, Kolhapur, Satara, Pune and Lonavala. He expects to reach Navi Mumbai and Mumbai by June 2. He is accompanied by art director Sukant Panigrahy, and a social activist to speak on the cause.
The idea occurred to him during his board exams. Once he was done with the exams, he started planning the campaign.
He always found art to be an effective medium for expression. Before venturing out on his cycle, he launched the campaign with an event displaying his paintings on the theme of abuse and its effect on the victims. He also released an anthem, which was produced and composed by Chris Avinash, penned by Sadhu Nityanand and sung by Ankita Kundu.
“Bullying is still not part of the mainstream discourse and victims are asked to ignore the issue. When boys try to talk about it, their masculinity is questioned. Such abuse can have long-term effects. Hopefully, my campaign will encourage people to open up and talk about the issue, without shame or taboo," said Sanket.
