The past week had its fair share of both positive and disturbing events. The week started with the initiation of the much-awaited Covid vaccine drive. The historic win for the Indian cricket team and inaugural function of the Joe Biden’s administration in the US were some of the highlights of the week. Let us look at each of how women reacted to these developments on social media.
Many took to Twitter to share their happiness of finally getting vaccines to fight the deadly virus. Eminent journalist Barkha Dutt was grateful to the scientists and doctors who helped us in the fight against the Coronavirus.
In a bleak time, lets take a moment to doff our hat to India's Scientists and doctors. Our country produces 60% of the world's vaccines and mass immunization is something our health system has handled for years. May today, the world's largest vaccine rollout, herald better times
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) January 16, 2021
However, many people were seen opting out of the drive fearing misinformation and confusion. Author Taslima Nasreen is of the opinion that the right to choose the vaccine should be left to the people.
People should have the right to choose the vaccine if they have to take the responsibilities for its adverse effects. Otherwise people will hesitate to get vaccinated.
— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) January 19, 2021
Another great news for Indians was the national cricket team winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia by 2-1. The Brisbane Cricket Ground, commonly known as Gabba, is considered a fortress of the Australian cricket team as they had not lost a test match on the ground since 1988. From cricketer Smriti Mandhana to Supreme Court advocate Karuna Nundy and actress Dia Mirza, many shared their happiness on the win.
Wow what a series! Absolute pleasure watching #TeamIndia you’ve made us all incredibly proud 👏🏽 A historic day for the team, massive congratulations! 🇮🇳 #AUSvIND @BCCI pic.twitter.com/VlxUcWCVWt
— Smriti Mandhana (@mandhana_smriti) January 19, 2021
Happy cricketing, cricket folk 💙 https://t.co/qN3Ao8yhL4
— Karuna Nundy (@karunanundy) January 19, 2021
Meanwhile the recently released web series Tandav faced a backlash from a certain section of society for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. About three FIRs had been registered against the show’s makers as well as the star cast in over six cities.
Actress Swara Bhaskar voiced her opinion on this.
I’m a Hindu and I’m not offended by any scene in #Tandav ..
Why #banTandavSeries #BanTandavNow ???— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) January 19, 2021
Author Sanjukta Basu too questioned the controversy:
This is why they should not have apologized. The bullies never stop, the more you bend the more the suppress. You have to stand up and fight risking everything. https://t.co/TjaRcnI4Wl
— Sanjukta Basu (@sanjukta) January 21, 2021
Swara also came in support of her colleague Richa Chadha who also faced backlashes on similar lines. Her upcoming film Madam Chief Minister’s poster was criticised for allegedly stereotyping the Dalit community by showing her holding a broom in her hand.
This is absolutely shameful & to be condemned in no uncertain terms. You can have ideological issues & problems with a film but this is criminal intimidation & incitement to violence. Ambedkarites, Dalit feminists & just sane people- stand up & call this out! @RichaChadha #NotOk https://t.co/sJs6c9V53J
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) January 17, 2021
In other news China dismissed a report that said it had built a village in Arunachal Pradesh, saying the construction activities were within its own territory and its sovereign right. Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has a question for the government.
“We never recognized so-called Arunachal Pradesh” says China.
Yet our government stays silent. But then isn’t the excuse offered as per JP Nadda ji&ministers that it was land forcibly occupied by China in 1959 so why raise any questions about new construction?
This is truly sad. https://t.co/etEcqjyLVj— Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) January 22, 2021
Last week saw Joe Biden and Kamala Harris taking oath in as President and Vice President of the United States respectively.
Ready to serve.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) January 20, 2021
Kamala is the first woman and first person of Asian and African-American origin to be in this position, and it is no doubt a boost to women’s leadership across the world. African-American 22-year-old poet Amanda Gorman’s poetry recital at the inaugural ceremony also got attention:
A new decade of hope, optimism, and inclusion is here. These images are powerful reminders for next-generation young women if she can do it, so I can. #KamalaHarris #AmandaGorman pic.twitter.com/UoOaoFHA60
— Rupa Dash (@rupadash) January 20, 2021
