In 1999, with the launch of the song Mann Ke Manjeere, Breakthrough India was born. It’s been 20 years since that day and we can safely say that it’s been a pretty wild ride. From launching a global path breaking campaign on domestic violence (Bell Bajao) to starting conversations on ending early marriage, we’ve done some pretty radical things. But none of it would have been possible without the people who make up Breakthrough.
20 years is a heck of a long time and long enough for some great memories to accumulate. With that in mind, we asked people on Twitter what was their one moment or story that they most strongly associated with Breakthrough:
Calling Breakthrough peeps! What is the one moment/story in your Breakthrough journey that stands out for you? Tell us about it! #20YearsOfBT pic.twitter.com/xjpnl9zLHg
— Breakthrough Trust (@INBreakthrough) July 3, 2019
And we got some great answers!
1. Urvashi Gandhi, Director- Advocacy at Breakthrough India, had this lovely thing to say:
I had seen #MKM when I was just out of college, and the message, the song stayed with me. Being at @INBreakthrough for 14 yrs has transformed my life the same way it sought to bring change through #MKM. I too have tried to pass on this transformation to many others.
— Urvashi (@urvashigandhi) July 3, 2019
2. Ditipriya Ghosh, Director – Human Resource Management, had this poignant point to make:
I realised the importance of our work when I was able to help out a woman in a violent relationship in 2011. Thanks to the understanding that I got about #DV, #VAW and #PWDVA from my colleagues in @INBreakthrough
— DitiPriya (@DitipriyaGhosh) July 4, 2019
3. Yogita Verma, Head – Resource Mobilisation & Communication , shared a story that hit home for many of us:
The day my teenage son came home aghast at the casual misogyny he witnessed amongst a few of his friends. I have @INBreakthrough to thank for helping build my perspective and his awareness on the issue.
— yogita verma (@yogitaverma) July 3, 2019
4. Anika Verma, Senior Manager, talked about realising a very simple right: the right of women to occupy public spaces
Before knowing of Breakthrough, as a city dweller too, I had assumed that bus stops, pan shops, galis, nukkad, public parks were a men only place. And if I was to ever pass through, I was an anomaly. Thanks to #MissionHazaar, I realised how it was my right as a woman to be there. https://t.co/HWaNEkcWxu
— Sa.One. Ka Maheena (@whatisdapoint) July 3, 2019
We were also pleasantly surprised to have other people chiming in with their own change stories! Here are a few:
When my super exboyfriend asked me to not take a fellowship and wait for a year at home planning for marriage.I took up the fellowship, left the city,left him and chased my dreams.8 years down the lane I got an award from you all this year.If only I have not stepped out that day!
— Srilekha Chakraborty (@ThisisSrilekha) July 3, 2019
They said I was wasting my time when I took up socio-legal activism. “You really think you can do something substantial? Stand up to a system? Take up a corporate job instead.” I left them & their negativity AND guess what! I impacted over 2,500 lives, even won an award for it!
— KOSHIKA KRISHNA (@KOSHIKAKRISHNA) July 4, 2019
It’s been really heartening to look back and realise how many people have been passionate about working together to make sure women and girls can live free of fear! Here’s to another 20 years!
