Thanks for a successful event!

Hi All,
This is the press release for the peace protests we had across the city this afternoon. for links to picture please log onto http://picasaweb.google.com/bengaluru.unites/

Bangalore Erupts with Simultaneous Peace Protests—Thousands Rally Across City



There was tremendous response for peace protests held across the city today. This unique program of "taking the protests to the people" was organized by Dr Rajeev Gowda, Professor, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and political activist. Students and professionals came out of their colleges and work areas in a Gandhian human chain during lunchtime, such that no traffic was disrupted. Some locations included Mount Carmel College, St Joseph's Commerce, PUC, Arts & Science. The roads in these neighborhoods were filled with hundreds of people eager to demonstrate their anger and anguish against moral policing and against attacks on women. Men and women joined hands together to fight for their freedoms.

Thousands of students gathered outside their respective colleges. Vasanthnagar's main roads outside Mount Carmel were lined by human chains of more than 1500 students. The Richmond Circle area had thousands of students from St Joseph's Commerce, Arts & Science and P.U college had about 800 students. Jyothi Nivas had over 1500 students who came out and formed human chains. Dentists and doctors took time out at MS Rammaiah College and elsewhere. A spontaneous gathering of school students and senior citizens occurred at Coles Park.

Numerous NGOs came out in support of Prof. Rajeev Gowda's call.Members of Komu Sowharda Vedike and Samvada joined across the city. Most notably, in Jayanagar 4th Block, members of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled joined hands with young women with NMKRV College. Students at the Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media found the protests ideal material for their field reportage. Students from Jain colleges thronged central and south Bangalore. In Yelahanka, students of Shrishti School of Art and Design continued with their colourful protests. Students and faculty at IIMB came out and supported Dr Rajeev Gowda in these peace protests.

There was a website bengaluru-unites.blogspot.com which gave information to people on locations and other details on what to do. Social blogs like facebook and orkut acted as huge boosters to spread the message around. The 90088 90088 SMS service turned out to be an effective way for protestors to find the rally closest to them.

Overall, the event was a tremendous success in signaling to every citizen that they can stand up to hooligans who attempt to impose their views by force. The innovative methods used and the use of high technology including the Internet and SMS showed how citizens could come together, demonstrate their solidarity, and fight to preserve freedoms. Outpourings of support from across the world, from ex-Bangaloreans to others, have also been a highlight of this demonstration.

For more details contact: Prof. Rajeev Gowda, 98451 62171 rajeevgowda@gmail.com