As Mumbai ushers in another year, and the city gets into party mode, let it be filled with joy, laughter, love, kisses and hugs and let nothing blight the peace and happiness of all those who believe in living for today, planning for today and partying on 31st night. The city will no doubt see revellers fanning across the streets, in hotels, bars, pubs, homes and outside too, all bringing in the year. The key here should be ensuring that everybody, women especially, are allowed to bring in the New Year safely and happily.

Every year, unfortunately, we read incidents about sexual molestation. Usually, there are accounts of women being groped or suddenly hemmed in by a crowd of revellers who sexually molest them as it is difficult to evade the crowd. There are times when a group of women have invited unwanted attention at a pub or bar, by men who may be inebriated thanks to New Year drinking. While most upmarket establishments have bouncers to keep a check on this, there are times when things can get out of control even indoors.