Gwalior, India – Murals depicting women in various yoga poses have been defaced with vulgar scratches in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, sparking widespread outrage and igniting discussions about women's safety and public respect in India. The incident, captured in viral videos and social media posts, shows the artwork vandalized with deliberate markings around intimate areas, sexualizing what was intended to represent health and discipline.
The murals, simple silhouettes of women in yoga postures without distinct facial features or body details, were defaced in a manner that has been widely condemned as disrespectful and indicative of a "sick mentality". The act has drawn strong reactions online, with many users expressing disappointment and calling attention to the broader issue of disrespect towards women in Indian society.
One social media user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "Targeting and damaging murals of women doing yoga is not just vandalism, it is a serious case of disrespect to public property and to women". The user further questioned when the law would take action against the culprits.
The incident has been interpreted as a reflection of a deeper societal problem, where women are often objectified. Some observers have pointed out the irony of such an act occurring in a country that symbolically worships feminine energy and claims to respect women. It has also been argued that the defacement challenges the notion that women's clothing is the primary cause of harassment, as the figures in the murals were not wearing clothes and yet were still targeted.
Amidst the outrage, a positive response emerged when a young man took it upon himself to repaint and repair the damaged graffiti, covering the vulgar markings and restoring the yoga figures to their original form. This act of restoration has been hailed as a meaningful stand against casual misogyny in public spaces, sending a message that such defacement should not be normalized.
While the damaged portions of the murals have been covered and the artwork is being restored, many online users have noted that fixing the wall is easier than fixing mindsets. Concerns remain that civic sense and basic respect are still lacking, and that public art should be protected rather than vandalized.
The incident in Gwalior is not isolated, as similar acts of vandalism targeting public art have occurred in the past. This raises concerns about societal attitudes and the need for greater awareness and education to promote respect for women and public property. The defacement of the yoga murals serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring women's safety and dignity in India, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address both the immediate act of vandalism and the underlying societal issues that contribute to it.
