3 days ago
Demanding creation of ‘National Commission for Men', bikers on 16,000-km journey
A group of bikers riding across 20 states on a 16,000-km mission stopped in Chandigarh on Monday with a singular demand: the creation of a National Commission for Men. The campaign, Ride for Men's Commission 2.0, aims to bring national attention to what they describe as growing neglect of men's issues, including mental health, rising male suicides, domestic violence, and the alleged misuse of gender-based laws.
The bikers, led by internationally recognised riders Dr Amjadkhan Nadim Shaikh and Sandeep Pawaria, addressed the media at the Chandigarh Press Club. Their second edition of the awareness ride began on May 31 from Faridabad. Riding over 500 km daily, the team is halting in major cities to hold press conferences and public interactions.
'Rain, heat or storm — nothing can stop this mission,' said Dr Shaikh, underscoring the group's resolve despite monsoon disruptions. Pawaria added, 'A Men's Commission must be formed. All are equal, whether man or woman. Yet, men are being disrespected even within their families. This isn't confined to one state; it's a nationwide issue.'
The movement is backed by over 40 NGOs across India. Rohit Dogra, a founding member of the Save India Family (Chandigarh chapter), stressed the urgency of institutional action. 'Cruelty against men is three times more than against women. There's a growing gender war in the country, and if the government doesn't act, it will only escalate,' he said. 'We're not against women. We are against gender-biased laws.'
Quoting Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, Dogra asked why men are excluded from its promise in practice. 'The government speaks of equality under Article 15, which prohibits gender-based discrimination, but there is none for men. Article 21 promises life and personal liberty, yet no one cares about men's life or liberty.'
The campaign gained national attention following the Atul Subhash case, in which a man from Maharashtra died by suicide in April this year, allegedly after being falsely accused in a domestic violence case. Men's rights groups claim his case reflects the broader misuse of gender-specific laws and the lack of institutional mechanisms to support male victims. On April 19, members of the campaign held a protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, calling for urgent policy intervention and recognition of male abuse survivors.
Among those supporting the ride is Shalini Ranyal, a biker and podcaster. 'Through my podcast and this ride, I stand equally for both men and women. Women have laws and NGOs; men have almost nothing. That needs to change,' she said. According to Ranyal, 80 to 90 men and women riders have joined the cause so far.
The bikers have already travelled through Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Patna, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Goa. Their next stretch includes Jammu, Kargil, Leh, Manali, Shimla, and will conclude with their return to Delhi.
