What made Railways light up CSMT blue on Men’s Day

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) building being a UNESCO World Heritage site is a symbol of pride for Mumbaikars. It is lit in Pink on Women’s Day, Blue on World Autism Day, in India’s Flag colours on Independence Day, was lit in French flag colours after a terrorist attack in France.

The value this symbolism of lighting up this prestigious building carries, can help in propagating the issues plaguing men better, increasing curiosity among people and spreading awareness. Many people especially an NGO Vaastav Foundation have requested the Railway management at CST station to light up the building in Blue lights.

They have also requested the Municipal corporation to have Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation building lit up in Blue colour, as it is a prestigious Grade IIA heritage site.

Letter from Vaastav Foundation in 2017 to lit up CST in blue colour on occasion of Men’s Day 2017

It is not that Vaastav foundation has made this request for the first time in 2017 but they have been doing it since 2015. This is the third time this suggestion has been sent to railways.

Please note the comment on top right saying ‘we should not agree’ This is not expected from a public official who is supposed to treat everyone equally. Especially when majority of the money earned by Railways comes from the pockets of men.

Change from 2015 to 2017 is that now many people including public figures on social media too are supporting this demand.

 

 

 

    

Radio FM – REDTRO 106.Chaar‏ @RedtroFM and  RJ Sudarshan @Sudarshan_p to supported the demand.

After increasing number of people pointed at the unbalanced approach of the railways DRM MUMBAI CR‏ @drmmumbaicr responded saying that the matter has been brought to notice of concerned official @srdeegmumbaicr but they have not yet given any confirmation on whether the request will be fulfilled or not. So it is still anybody’s guess on whether CST will be lit blue in 2017 on occasion of Men’s Day.

I positively hoped that people come out of their archaic mindset and support equality in true spirit.

 

And on #MensDay19Nov 2017 the much awaited but the unexpected happened. The Central Railways of India tweeted a photo of the iconic building lit in Blue.

 

This is a historic moment for Indian Men’s Rights Movement as this is the first time International Men’s Day 19 Nov has been officially celebrated by a Government Body.

Do note that Prime Minister of India (a male) who wishes the country for every thingummy day has not yet wished Happy International Men’s Day yet. So you can imagine the task at hands of Indian MRS’s but the change has begun.

Congratulations to Team of Vaastav for making this possible.