Assam’s Nirbhayas break glass ceiling

Rinkumani Pathak

A group of girls from Gohpur in Assam’s Biswanath district was more than happy after the four convicts in the Nirbhaya rape and murder case were hanged on March 20, 2020.

This is because they share a close connect with the victim, after forming a catering group in her name as a unique tribute to the 23-year-old physiotherapist intern, who was fatally assaulted and gang-raped in Delhi in 2012, and in their endeavour to become self-dependent.

The founder of Nirbhaya Catering, Chimron Sharma, who graduated in history from Chaiduar College, said, “I formed this catering group in 2018. Initially, some of our parents were hesitant to allow us to work outside. I along with my parents convinced them and this all-girl catering service became a reality.”

It is a 40-member group of girls, most of whom are still studying in colleges.

“We have named the catering group Nirbhaya to pay tribute to the victim. We have proved that girls can do unconventional things and can work outside day and night. There are 40 members in our group. All of them are college students. This work has helped us to support our families and pay our study expenses,” said Chimron.

Nirbhaya Catering has got several offers to serve at wedding parties in the Gohpur area.

Nirbhaya caterers serving at a wedding

“The catering service is male-dominated. Initially, people were reluctant to give us contracts because they thought girls are not competent for such jobs but we have proved that notion wrong. Now, we are getting contracts not only in Gohpur and nearby Lakhimpur, but also from other parts of the state,” she added.

The girls in uniform have earned admiration for their amicability, discipline and professionalism. Some of them also excel in music and dance.

Geetamoni Borah, a member, recently played the dhol (drum) at a wedding, whose video was widely shared on social media.

A bride said, “I am happy this group of energetic girls is serving at my wedding. They are a source of inspiration for all women.”

Chimron said on Friday: “We hope the atrocities against women stop. Death sentence should be given in all rape cases.”