Kolkata, September 13, 2024 – In a bold move, former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly changed his profile picture on X (formerly Twitter) in protest against the recent horrific rape and murder case in Kolkata. This gesture, however, has sparked mixed reactions across social media, with many netizens expressing skepticism and criticism, calling the act "laughable."
The Incident
Kolkata was recently shaken by a brutal crime that involved the rape and murder of a young woman, which has led to widespread outrage and protests across the city. People from various walks of life, including political figures, social activists, and celebrities, have voiced their condemnation and demanded strict action against the perpetrators.
Amid this outcry, Ganguly, one of Bengal’s most beloved public figures, updated his X profile picture to a black-and-white image symbolizing his protest and solidarity with the victim’s family.
Ganguly’s Stand and Symbolic Protest
Sourav Ganguly’s profile picture change was aimed at showing support for the victim and raising awareness about the growing issue of women's safety. As someone with immense influence and a large following on social media, Ganguly’s silent protest was meant to rally his fans and the general public to stand against such heinous crimes.
Ganguly posted a message along with the profile change, saying, "No words are enough to express the horror and pain. Justice must prevail." He further called for a swift investigation and strict punishment for the culprits, emphasizing that safety for women in Kolkata, and across the country, should be prioritized.
Netizens React: Divided Opinions
While many appreciated the cricketer’s efforts to use his platform to highlight a social issue, others found the gesture insufficient, even calling it performative.
Several netizens questioned whether changing a profile picture is an effective way to bring about change, with some mocking the move as "laughable." One user commented, "Changing your DP isn't going to change the ground reality. We need actions, not symbols." Another tweet echoed similar sentiments: "Ganguly’s gesture may come from the right place, but it feels hollow when we need concrete steps, not just social media activism."
However, there were also those who defended Ganguly’s action, saying that even small symbolic acts matter, especially when they come from a public figure with a wide reach. "At least he's using his platform to raise awareness. Every bit counts in bringing attention to these horrific crimes," a supporter responded.
The Larger Debate: Can Social Media Activism Make a Difference?
The debate around Sourav Ganguly’s profile picture change brings into focus a larger question about the role of social media activism. In the age of digital platforms, many celebrities and influencers use their online presence to support causes, express their opinions, or protest against injustices. But how effective are these symbolic gestures in driving real change?
On one hand, social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness, starting conversations, and applying pressure on authorities to take action. Ganguly’s profile change did succeed in generating discussions around the Kolkata case, bringing more attention to it.
On the other hand, critics argue that social media activism often falls short when it comes to tangible results. While it can highlight issues, it is rarely a substitute for real-world action, such as policy changes, community interventions, or on-ground protests.
Conclusion: The Need for Action Beyond Symbolism
Sourav Ganguly’s profile picture change has undoubtedly sparked conversations, but it also serves as a reminder that while symbolic gestures have their place, they need to be accompanied by real, actionable efforts to address systemic issues like women’s safety.
The tragic case in Kolkata highlights the urgency of the problem, and the public outcry, both online and offline, should push for stronger measures to protect women and ensure justice is served. As the debate over Ganguly’s protest continues, one thing is clear: India must focus on meaningful, long-term solutions to prevent such horrific crimes in the future.
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