Mumbai theatre group Swaang teamed up with city-based band Majma to launch Jurrat: Aazaad Chalo, Bebaak Chalo! campaign in memory of the 23-year-old paramedic, who was gangraped by six people inside a moving bus on 16 December, last year. The incident had set off a nationwide outrage.
'We had been planning the campaign from quite some time. We wanted to raise the issue of gender-violence but in our way, that is the cultural way,' actress Swara Bhaskar, one of the founding members of Swaang said.
The actress was part of performances of songs of protest that included the Maa Nee Meri (My dear Mother) composed during protests post the incident.
'This is an endeavour to fight our own complacency as a society and people and not allow the 23-year-old girl's fight and spirit and ordeal to fade into a crime-record statistic. I became a part because I wanted to. I hope others join in too,' said Swara at the event launch.
Theatre artiste Mallika Taneja enacted a monoact drama titled Be Careful, which drew applause.
'Jurrat is a lovely concept. I love the name and I am glad I could be part of it,' said Mallika.
A one-hour act Museum...a dying species by Mumbai-based theatre group Being Association depicted a hard hitting account on discrimination and clichés faced by women.
'I am glad that our debut performance received such a great response. Wherever we go, our play is loved and appreciated,' said Rasika Agashe, the play's director.
Various music and street theatre groups performed across the city till 15 December.
The event is set to conclude on 16 December with a mobile concert performances by Rabbi Shergill, Sona Mohapatra and Swanand Kirkire.