International Men’s Day on November 19th is important this year because it comes right after Maharashtra’s elections on November 20th.
On November 16, more than 100 men from Maharashtra gathered near Pune. They brought colorful cars and flags to celebrate International Men’s Day. Their purpose was to honor men who serve their nation, society, and families.
The theme for this year’s celebration, chosen by SIFF (Save Indian Family Foundation), is “Positive Male Role Models.” This event highlights a troubling trend: the number of married men taking their own lives has increased significantly from 2019 to 2022.
According to data, suicides among married men rose from 68,815 to 83,713 in just three years. In contrast, the number of suicides among married women has remained steady at about 28,000 each year for the past 15 years.
Anil Murty, a leader from SIFF, says this rise in male suicides should alert Indian politicians. He notes that young men are influenced by online groups promoting ideas like #MarriageStrike to address false cases against men.
Rajesh Vakharia, also from SIFF, mentions that laws have often favored women, leaving men unprotected. He recalls a proposed law in 2012 that would have given wives half of their husbands’ property, regardless of marriage length.
Sameer Goel, the national coordinator for SIFF, points out a new law, BNS69, which can imprison young men for up to 10 years based on false rape claims. This law has caused fear among young men, leading them to express their feelings online.
International Men’s Day provides a chance to celebrate men and discuss their challenges. Sadly, this day often goes unnoticed or is not taken seriously. Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs) are working to raise awareness and fight against negative views of men.
Over 100 MRAs from Maharashtra and Telangana gathered in Wakad. They set off in a convoy of 15 cars, driving 100 km to Karjat while following traffic rules. They aimed to spread awareness about Men’s Day.
Their activities included handing out pamphlets in Lonavala, giving gifts to men and boys in Khopoli, and interviewing locals in Karjat about men’s issues and needed changes, especially with elections approaching.
Sagar Gunthal from SIFF reflects on how Indian politicians often focus on women as voters and men as sources of tax. He believes that lessons from the USA show that men want positive role models in politics.
The MRAs have several urgent demands for politicians to address in their election plans. They want an end to the “Freebies Culture” that only benefits women and measures to tackle the rising suicide rates among men.
SIFF celebrated International Men’s Day with events across many Indian states. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore took part. The movement is working to highlight the importance of men and promote reforms that protect everyone equally.