Press Release

Mangalore: With reference to the barbaric incident that took place on Saturday the 28 July, 2012 in ‘Morning Mist  Home Stay’ at Padil, we, the Principal, Staff and Students of St Agnes College express our deep hurt at the cruel atrocities committed against women. In solidarity with the victims, we condemn this brutal act and we decry the so called “custodians of culture” and “keepers of modesty for women” to dictate terms in this secular democratic setup. We have our parents, teachers and elders in society who are genuinely concerned about the youth and continue to instill in us values and culture. We do not need uncultured and uncivilized hooligans playing the part of governance. We denounce strongly the violent acts of the self-interested “moral police” who spring up here and there, now and then in the name of “Indian culture.”

When Mangalore is an iconic and upcoming town, an educational hub and a progressive culture in itself, such incidents do not speak well of its people. We feel that our fundamental right to life is restricted and human rights are violated. Mangalore once considered a very forward and peaceful city, is now a name synonymous with fear, tension and disgust, especially among the youth and prospective students who would have wanted to study here. As students, we have the freedom to celebrate life and experience it in all grandeur. At this juncture we feel that this right has been transgressed.

This is an appeal to the society and the nation at large to help the youth fulfill their dreams in a peaceful atmosphere, devoid of any anti-social culture. If the authorities do not take stringent action against such hooliganism and at any time let them scot-free, we the youth, might lose our faith in the system of governance and be forced to question the meaning of freedom itself as we are only a fortnight away from the 65 year of our Independence!