This news is from October 2014. Read the complete article published in The Telegraph, Ranchi Edition.
Wake Up India Foundation conducted a unique and impactful awareness campaign in Ranchi and Delhi (Connaught Place). The initiative, called the Freeze Mob Against Acid Attacks, aimed to spread awareness and demand action against acid violence, a heinous crime that continues to scar lives across India.
What is a Freeze Mob?
A freeze mob is a form of silent protest where participants stand completely still, as if frozen in time, for a specific duration. This symbolic act represents how the lives of acid attack survivors come to a standstill in the aftermath of such brutal incidents.
From 2:00 PM to 2:07 PM, members of the Wake Up India Foundation took to the streets of Dangratoli Chowk in Ranchi and Connaught Place in Delhi, holding placards with powerful messages such as “Stop Violence Against Women, Stop Acid Attacks” and “Mere Kapde Nahin, Apni Soch Ko Badlo” (Change Your Mindset, Not My Clothes).
A Symbolic and Striking Protest
Dressed in everyday attire, participants froze in the middle of their actions, capturing the attention of commuters and pedestrians. The act was simple yet striking—demonstrating how an acid attack instantly alters a victim’s life, forcing them into a frozen reality of pain and struggle.
Some participants wore dark sunglasses, symbolizing the blindness that many acid attack victims suffer. The chilling effect of the protest was heightened by the silence, making bystanders stop and reflect on the severity of the issue.
Reaching People Through Digital Advocacy
Wake Up India Foundation leveraged social media, text messages, WhatsApp, and posters to gather volunteers for the freeze mob. The organization, which started in 2010 and has grown into a nationwide student-led movement, continues to raise awareness on pressing social and political issues across cities like Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Dhanbad, and Ranchi.
A Call for Change
Acid attacks remain a serious concern in India, often targeting women for rejecting advances, defying societal norms, or being caught in family disputes. The Freeze Mob Against Acid Attacks was not just a campaign but a call for action—urging society to change its mindset and take a firm stand against such violence.
With such impactful initiatives, Wake Up India Foundation continues to drive meaningful social change, ensuring that the voices of acid attack survivors are heard and that justice is pursued.
