The memorial took place on Jan. 4, a week after the death of the victim. (Photo from WASITRAC)
Members from different ethnic groups paid tribute to Nirbhaya, the New Delhi gang rape victim, at a memorial service on Friday, Jan. 4. The event was organized by the Washington State and India Trade Relations Action Committee (WASITRAC) and was held at the Westin Hotel in Bellevue. The attack on the 23-year-old woman, who died of severe internal injuries last week, provoked a fierce debate across India about the mistreatment of females and triggered protests all over the world, demanding action and social change. The savagery of the attack on Nirbhaya, the social apathy, and the government’s weak response had provoked many of the local community members who attended this event.
Attendees put their thoughts into written words, all of which will be sent to the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Attendees included State Rep. Marcie Maxwell and University of Washington professor Kavasseri V. Ramanathan. Messages were also sent from Mayor McGinn’s office, Dr. Chandra Bhanu Satpathy, and Congressman Jim McDermott. (end)