Indian female travel influencer Tanya Khanijow has received flak for her latest advisory which has asked women from overseas to “avoid coming to India at all costs,” after a recent terrifying incident where a 31-year-old trainee doctor was brutally raped and murdered in Kolkata. The post has sparked anger and worry again in the nation.
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Who Is Tanya Khanijow?
Tanya Khanijow is an Indian travel influencer, blogger, and photographer who is well-known for sharing her adventures and experiences on her social media platforms like Instagram. Known for her solo travel videos, she amasses a significant following of 1 Million. Recently, she created a buzz by facing backlash for her comments on women’s safety in India, where she advises female travellers to avoid the country due to safety concerns.
About The Kolkata Case
The Kolkata doctor case is a heartbreaking incident that has shaken the nation, once again! A 31-year-old young female doctor working at a private hospital, R G Kar Medical College & Hospital was brutally raped and murdered, which sparked outrage across the country. The sheer brutality of the crime has left people horrified, with many calling it ‘Nirbhaya 2,’ drawing painful parallels to the Delhi gang rape that took place in 2012.
This tragic event has highlighted the issue of women’s safety once more, prompting protests and calls for justice. The nation is dealing with the consequences, as citizens seek immediate measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Where It All Began…
Two days before “Independence Day,” on August 13, Tanya shared her thoughts on X about safety standards for women in India and how it has been linear despite huge crimes like the Nirbhaya Delhi case.
Safety standards for women in India are horrible. My sincere request to all my women friends abroad. Please don’t travel here unless our dear leadership seriously creates a safer environment for women. Please avoid coming to India at all costs! #kolkata #RGKarHospital…
— Tanya Khanijow (@TanyaKhanijow) August 12, 2024
She expressed, “My sincere request to all my women friends abroad, please avoid coming to India at all costs!” A few hours after she expressed her feelings, the tweet ignited like a fire, with netizens accusing her as “anti-national” for defaming her own country.
One user commented, “Tanya, over the years because of your hard work, you have earned a great reputation amongst people. People value your wise words and advice. But what you are saying here, in rage, is tarnishing India’s and our leadership’s image. Kindly value your words. Your voice matters to us.”
Despite facing such tarnishing comments, Khanijow stood firm in her stance stating, “It’s our society at large which is failing women. And unless we call for strict actions, I don’t think we can feel safe.”
Unsubscribed from your YT channel.
— ShyamM (@Barracudaace) August 13, 2024
My sincere request to all Tanya's followers to unsubscribe her.
The controversy also sparked calls to boycott Khanijow’s YouTube channel & Instagram accounts, with some even suggesting she should leave the country.
However, she has also garnered support from many, including those who observe that much of the backlash has come from men. One supporter remarked, “As a nation, we struggle with criticism and often respond defensively instead of addressing the issues raised.”
Celebrities & Influencers Take A Stand: Ayushmann Khurrana, Munawar Faruqui, Dr.Cuterus & More
The Kolkata rape case agitated the netizens and celebrities alike. Ayushmann Khurrana, Munawar Faruqui, Dr. Cuterus a.k.a Dr. Tanaya, Janice Sequiera, and Kareema Barry among others took a stand about this terrifying incident demanding for justice.
What’s it really like to be a ‘free’ woman in India, chasing true independence? Are we really in the state of celebrating it?
Mubarak ho ‘beti hui hai’—celebrating the arrival of a daughter with a heart full of joy and pride. JOY & PRIDE?? Quite ironic!
Beloved Baapu of India, Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The day a woman can walk freely on the roads at night, that day we can say that India has achieved independence.” This incident has sparked major protests and strikes from medical unions, highlighting deep concerns about women’s safety in India.
Will these actions lead to real change? While the outcry shows a strong push for reform, will it end with meaningful progress and healing? Let’s do our bit not to let these conversations die down and demand justice till it’s served. After all, “Umeed pe duniya kayam hai.“
