Students of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Hold Silent Candle March in Solidarity Against Violence in Kolkata

Manipal: The Students Council of Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, organized a silent candle march on Monday, 19th August 2024, to condemn the recent tragic incident in Kolkata and show solidarity with the victims. This peaceful demonstration was in response to the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a medical college in Kolkata, which has sparked nationwide outrage and protests.

Early this month, the trainee doctor was found dead on the campus of a medical college in Kolkata. The brutal crime has amplified concerns over the safety of women and doctors in India, leading to widespread calls for justice and increased protection for those in vulnerable positions. The incident has deeply shaken the medical community and ignited a debate about the urgent need for improved security measures.

In response, over 1,000 students from KMC, along with faculty members and staff, gathered to participate in the silent candle march. The event also saw the participation of the Dean of Kasturba Medical College, the Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Associate Deans, and several doctors from KMC, further emphasizing the united stance of the medical fraternity against such acts of violence. The event commenced at 5:30 PM with an assembly at the fountain near the Infectious Diseases Block. The march began at 6:00 PM and followed a route that covered significant landmarks within the Manipal campus, starting from the Infectious Diseases Block and concluding at the Interact building.

The candlelight procession was marked by the participants’ quiet dignity and resolve, as they carried candles and placards, sending a powerful message of solidarity with the victim’s family and all those affected by violence. The marchers walked in silence, honoring the victim’s memory and expressing their condemnation of the violence that led to this tragic loss.

Through this march, the students of KMC, Manipal, seek to send a clear message: violence in any form will not be tolerated. We stand united in our demand for justice for all victims of such heinous acts. It is our collective responsibility to ensure a safe environment for all in the medical fraternity, who dedicate their lives to caring for others. We hope that this march serves as a reminder to society that change is necessary and urgent, and we will continue to advocate for a safer and more just world for everyone.