Mass Convention today at R G Kar
Junior doctors at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College hold a “mass convention” today on October 26, demanding justice and systemic reform after the tragic rape-murder of a fellow medical student.
In a protest tinged with righteous indignation and a fierce demand for reform, junior doctors at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College have rallied, fuelled by grief and anger following the horrific rape and murder of a fellow postgraduate student. Unwavering in their quest for justice, the doctors have summoned a “mass convention” set for October 26, seeking to map out their future course of action.
Ashfaqulla, one of the junior doctors leading the charge, voiced the deep-seated frustrations shared by his peers. Reflecting on a recent meeting with the Chief Minister at the state’s secretariat, Nabanna, he remarked, “It felt as though she was more the party spokesperson than the Chief Minister of Bengal. We’ve heard the statistics before – trotted out like an overplayed tune – but it’s the action we’re after, not figures.” For many, the encounter was less of a discussion and more of a monologue, with the government’s talking points reeling off without the depth of dialogue the doctors had hoped for.
Adding to the insult was a peculiar demand that left the doctors simmering – the removal of their ‘We Want Justice’ badges before they could enter the meeting. “It was a matter of principle for us,” said Ashfaqulla. “We went in not to toe any party line but to convey our message loud and clear. Taking off our badges felt like taking off our resolve, but they were adamant on administrative decorum, as they called it.” Begrudgingly, they complied, all the while knowing that their dedication to the cause remained unaltered.
Another doctor expressed a sentiment that echoed through the protest: “Had there been a space for us to speak, a place where we could voice our concerns freely, perhaps we wouldn’t have lost our colleague and sister in this tragic way. That’s why these committees and gatherings are essential.” The underlying grievance is not just about justice for a single act of violence but the need for a democratic platform where the pressing issues plaguing the healthcare sector can be tackled.
As the mass convention looms, it’s clear that these junior doctors are not about to be hushed up or swept aside. They stand not just for a colleague taken too soon but for a healthcare system crying out for reform. With their eyes set on meaningful change, they’ve drawn a line in the sand – and by the looks of it, they aren’t budging an inch.
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