Influencer Tanya Khanijow Criticized for ‘Avoid India’ Advice Amid Kolkata Tragedy
Influencer Tanya Khanijow Criticized for ‘Avoid India’ Advice Amid Kolkata Tragedy
Tanya Khanijow is facing criticism for her recent advice telling women living abroad to “avoid coming to India at all costs.” This recommendation was prompted by the disturbing rape and murder case of a female doctor in Kolkata, which has sparked widespread outrage throughout the country.
In a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Khanijow voiced her worries regarding the safety conditions for women in India. She stated, “The safety standards for women in India are terrible. I sincerely urge all my female friends abroad: Please refrain from traveling here until our leaders genuinely work towards creating a safer environment for women.”
Her comments have sparked a lot of backlash, with some critics labeling her as anti-national and accusing her of tarnishing her country’s image. One user even said, “Tanya, you’ve built a great reputation over the years with your hard work. People really value your advice. But what you’re saying now, out of anger, is hurting India’s and our leaders’ image. Please think about your words. Your voice means a lot to us.”
Even with all the criticism, Khanijow is sticking to her guns. She responded, “It’s our society as a whole that’s failing women. Unless we demand strict actions, I don’t think we can ever feel safe.”
Another user commented, “You should be ashamed of yourself for calling yourself an Indian. The incident occurred in one of the most peaceful states in India, where a woman is the chief minister and represents democracy. Yet, you begin to criticize the entire country for being unsafe for women!”
Khanijow, however, stood by her stance, highlighting that her experiences with harassment in different parts of India illustrate a larger issue. She stated, “It’s not just one incident. Talk to any woman, and I bet there’s not one who hasn’t faced some form of assault or another.”
The controversy has led to calls for a boycott of Khanijow’s YouTube channel and Instagram accounts, with some users even suggesting she should leave the country. Nevertheless, she has also found support from many, including those who noted that much of the criticism she received came from men. One supporter pointed out, “As a nation, we are poor at accepting criticism, and our only reaction is to become defensive.”
The tragic incident that triggered Khanijow’s remarks involved the discovery of a woman’s body in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. This event has ignited widespread protests, with several medical unions declaring strikes in response to the increasing concerns over women’s safety in India.
