Facebook forums: For netizens, it's online activism

GURGAON: "After the recent gang-rape in Delhi, I don't just log on to Facebook for fun anymore. Instead, I'm using it as a tool to spread awareness among my friends," says Preeti Singh, a college student.
From Kashmir to Kerala, India has witnessed massive protests against the gang-rape. While some are coming out on the streets to demand capital punishment for rapists, others are using Facebook, twitter among other social websites to vent out their anger.Many such pages on crime against women have recently been created on Facebook.
While some are finding these helpful, some think online forums are not of much help.
"Instead of sending messages to thousands of people, you can get in touch with millions with just one click. It's a brilliant idea," says Kinni Singh Kaushik, who had called a protest at India Gate and managed to gather around 1,000 people.
But Payal Jaggi, who has created a page, Action Against Rapists, thinks otherwise. "The response is appalling. I had recently held a programme to distribute pepper spray cans to women for their safety but it was not well attended by those who actually 'liked' the cause." The page has been created to initiate action against rape of minors and to urge the government to form stringent laws, said the Gurgaon-based activist.
Arvind Gaur, a director and a social activist, feels that such Facebook pages are playing an important role in keeping the cause alive. "Youth are opting for different ways to express their anger. Some are coming on the streets, while some are spreading awareness through the Internet. Both the ways are important for present scenario. It also shows today's youth is socio-politically active which is a good sign," said Gaur.
One such Facebook group is Gurgaon Girlcott with about 700 members. Richa Dubey, an activist and the founder of the group said success of such groups depends on how active people are on Facebook. The group works for safer Gurgaon and carries several programmes for the safety of women in Gurgaon.
"I can't be on the protest site daily as I am working with a private firm. But Facebook and twitter give me a chance to be a part of a very important cause. I am loving the era of 'online activism'," says Vivek Gulia, a resident of Gurgaon.