Need Help? Raise Your Index Finger: Maharashtra Village’s Unique Safety Initiative
Need Help? Raise Your Index Finger: Maharashtra Village’s Unique Safety Initiative
In the face of pervasive fear and intimidation, a village in Maharashtra has taken a bold step towards creating a safer community. The Gram Sabha of Pothre Nilaj village in Solapur district has adopted a unique solution for those who feel threatened or trapped in difficult situations: a simple raised index finger. This innovative approach, passed on Women’s Day, aims to break the silence that often surrounds victims of harassment or violence.
The village, like many others, has been plagued by problems like unscrupulous money lenders and anti-social elements, leaving many feeling vulnerable and unable to seek help. Recognizing this atmosphere of fear, the Gram Sabha decided to empower its residents with a clear and accessible signal. The resolution states that anyone feeling threatened or in need of assistance can simply raise their index finger. This gesture will serve as an immediate call for help, alerting others to the situation and encouraging them to intervene.
This simple yet powerful initiative aims to restore a sense of safety and security within the village, allowing individuals to feel empowered to speak up and seek support without fear of retaliation. By fostering a sense of community responsibility, the Gram Sabha hopes to create a more harmonious and brotherly environment, where everyone feels protected and supported.
“Raising the index finger will signal to others that the person urgently needs assistance.
Observant citizens will approach to offer help. If the situation is serious, the person in need will be connected to relevant helpline numbers for women, children, senior citizens, and the police,” the Gram Sabha stated. This concept was created by Ankush Shinde, the Sarpanch of Pothre Nilaj.
“The idea was conceived during a conversation with Pramod Zinjade, a social activist who has led various initiatives, including efforts to eliminate certain customs related to widows in rural Maharashtra,” Shinde told PTI.
The Gram Sabha is planning to spread the word about this new initiative to the community. They’re also asking the state government to set up a special WhatsApp number where people can send pictures, videos, and the location of someone in danger. This information will be sent right away to the relevant departments, including the police, so they can act quickly. Zinjade explained that the reason for this is because many people are afraid, due to both personal issues and the presence of criminals in the area.
Citizens experiencing issues at home or work might lack the confidence to speak up. They could be troubled by criminals or harassed by moneylenders due to unpaid loans.
“Raising an index finger will signal that the person requires assistance. Observing this, others can notify the Gram Sevak and Sarpanch,” he said.
The resolution comes at a time when there have been many recent videos showing violence, especially in Beed district in the Marathwada region. Pothere Nilaj village, home to 6,000 people, most of whom are farmers, has been taking a progressive approach by working to stop harmful social practices.
The village became the first in Solapur district to adopt a resolution passed by the Herwad gram panchayat in Kolhapur district in 2022. This resolution bans customs like removing a widow’s mangalsutra, toe ring, and wiping her sindoor.
