The Gulabi Gang - India

March 2010

In Uttar Pradesh, one of the poorest and most feudal areas of India, there is a long history of patriarchy, abuse and corruption. Now, an aggressive and outspoken gang of women are fighting the system.

Sampat Pal is the leader of the Gulabi, or 'Pink', Gang. This feisty crusader is making headlines with her vigilante tactics; when she isnt attacking police, she is teaching women how to wield the 'lathi' - a long, wooden staff - to protect themselves against domestic violence. With over 40,000 members, the Gulabi Gang has quickly become a mass movement. Why do we have to take the law in our hands? I'll tell you. The government doesn't obey its own laws. They're making fools of everyone. The gang are on a mission to ensure that those born into the lowest caste have an education, avoid child marriages, and earn a decent wage. Mahatma Gandhi famously preached non-violence. Sampat Pal says times have changed. I salute Gandhi. He was the father of our nation. But my style is different.

Produced by SBS Dateline. Distributed by Journeyman Pictures

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[quoidanslemondequoi]

@sinistercharlie Comparing the Gulabi Gang to organized crime is preposterous and offensive. A better comparison would be to Martin Luther King and the civil rights mobs that chose to "disobey" unjust laws; these people are fighting against exploitation, inequality, oppression, slavery, injustice. They are the opposite of organized crime, which fights for money, power, etc., and which is the epitome of corruption. The GG are fighting against corruption.

[svspatel]

This woman has got some serious communication skills. I understand the language (hindi) and have never heard someone use it so aggressively, yet so clearly that it forces you to do what she is saying. I can listen to her all day long and not get bored. It's a rare quality to have.

[o0LoveLove0o]

I've watched a documentary in her and immediately wanted to donate I hope they print her book in English even though i would still buy it knowing I can't understand it lol.

[lemonsquire]

@JusMeAngiesTube Thank you so much. That is really awesome of you. I'll check it out. P.S. Happy Holidays!

[JusMeAngiesTube]

@lemonsquire I googled it, but it's hard to say it it's legit or not. She also has an email address on one site.... Good Luck, I'd like to donate a little whenever I can.

[JusMeAngiesTube]

Today was the first time that I have heard of Sampat. I immediately fell in love with her passion and mission in life. I wish her all the best, and if I had a million dollars I'd give it all to her to help more women.

[Starnebula100]

This lady is AWESOME.

[awakejupiter]

Sampat is very admirable. I'm so glad that woman have her to turn too if they are in a bad situation.

[lemonsquire]

Does anyone know of a way to send them funds or support directly?

[iamborg1588]

We need a Gulabi gang...

[HIHIMIII56]

Sampat Pal to rule India!