On the dreaded night of 23rd October 2011, while trying to defend his girlfriend's honor a young gentlemen by the name of Keenan Santos got into a rift with a un-educated drunk lecher. What followed is a brutal street battle that left Keenan and his friend Ruben dead.
I don't know who Keenan is.
I would have probably never have heard about him in my entire life.
But today his heroics and sacrifice has made me and thousands others like me, who at some point have stood up to defend a woman think "Where is the Keenan Santos in you?".
With the heat currently on, the topic is exciting the nerve cells of the Mumbai intelligentia. While many are calling for drastic actions, many others are just asking to be "careful" and "avoid" such situations.
His family and friends are raising awareness so that other Keenan and Ruben is not lost to the incompetence of our socio-politico-legal system. There is an online petition to help politicians realize their incompetence as law makers and guardians of the common man. I have signed it, , and I would suggest you to also do the same.
His family and friends are raising awareness so that other Keenan and Ruben is not lost to the incompetence of our socio-politico-legal system. There is an online petition to help politicians realize their incompetence as law makers and guardians of the common man. I have signed it, , and I would suggest you to also do the same.
Today, I still don't know anything more about Keenan Santos, but I pray for his soul to be in peace.
Tomorrow when the dust will settle and everyone will be back to their life, what this young guy has taught a dormant society shouldn't go waste.
Lets face it, we live in a society where majority of people are uncultured.
Look into your own-self and think...
Every girl and woman in Mumbai can give you numerous examples and experiences when she has been exposed to the "leching" eyes, touch or disrespectful behaviors of men. She will be able to tell you that some of these incidents weren't by un-educated men living in a shanty, but the opposite.
Just travel in the locals, and you will find hundreds of examples where men are "staring" like vultures into the female train compartment. Practically raping each girl with their eyes.
Just travel by bus and you will find hundreds of examples where men are trying to "press", "touch" or "squeeze" themselves against a lady.
Just go to a mall, and you will find hundreds of guys secretly filming girls/ladies in their mobile phones.
How many people do really take a stand against such behavior?
Every time you keep quiet, ask yourself "where is the Keenan Santos in you?"
In 99% probability you don't have the guts to become a Keenan Santos. But you do have a chance to change yourself.
Learn, preach and act respectful towards women. And one day that uncultured person next to you will learn.
Anna Hazare became the voice against corruption and an entire nation followed him.
Let Keenan Santos become a figure for the true meaning of Manhood and Respect towards Women.
Change yourself today, so tomorrow your subconscious will proudly answer "where is the Keenan Santos in you?"
DEDICATED TO THE SACRIFICE AND HEROICS OF MR.KEENAN SANTOS. A MAN I NEVER KNEW, BUT A MAN WHOSE ACTIONS I REALLY RESPECT.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
Petition for Zero tolerance against such act of barbarism can be signed at:
http://www.gopetition.com/
Petition for Zero tolerance against such act of barbarism can be signed at:
http://www.gopetition.com/
Dr.Hemant Mittal
email - eksoch@gmail.com
this is a wonderful post. And I hope that people realize it too. They did their job, and did it well. They definitely didn't deserve such a fate. R.I.P. both :)
ReplyDeleteHi Doc . This article is really great. even i have faced a lot, same as u mentioned.I am fan of all your article and use to read it daily. But i could not read the few first lines , which are written on green background with approximately the same colored text.Just a humble suggestion
ReplyDelete