Spoiling the celebrations

Bursting fireworks, partying out the entire night, roaming around with friends mark New Year celebrations. Most people would like to be a part of the jubilant celebrations even as the celebrations are getting grandeur year by year. On the other hand, these occasions are also witnessing a marked rise in eve-teasing incidents.

Sometimes, revellers cross their limits, losing all their senses and subjecting women to physical and mental abuse. In a bid to keep off from the eve teasers, some girls in the City have changed their plans for the New Year Eve. “Earlier I had plans to go out with my cousins to watch fireworks at midnight but my father was strictly against it. I have taken my father’s advice and I have decided to wind up my roaming early in the evening. I will be celebrating the coming in of new year at home watching special programmes on TV. My friends have the same opinion and they too will not be staying outside at midnight,” says Niveda S, a PUC girl from MES.

Shruti Vijaykumar from the PES College of Engineering says she will go out for a dinner with her parents or roam around with friends. “Even though I have never experienced such incidents, I would like to be careful. Roaming late night on New Year’s Eve is certainly not safe for girls. I wish to make it a family event by being with my family members for a special dinner,’’ says Shruti.
Eve-teasing occurs usually after the stroke of midnight during which the revellers are in a drunken stupor. Hence,  the police personnel advises against going out after midnight without any security. 

“We don't want to dampen the enthusiasm of the public to visit any place and we don't want to restrict their celebrations. To maintain decorum, we will take all necessary steps including patrolling and picketing. But, it is impossible to keep an eye on every individual. Public should also take their own measures and be vigilant to avoid any unnecessary incidents. If any problem occurs, don't hesitate to call on cops, or 'Hoysala' patrolling team for help,’’ says Vijay Seshan, Deputy Superintendent of Police. Be a little careful while celebrating the coming of a New Year. While going out for celebrations, make sure you have a transport facility.
You can also seek help from the police and traffic personnel for safe celebrations.  
Sudha Hegde