Dear Donor,

On October 22, 2017 "Martyrs of Marriage" completed a year of its release.

I am really happy to share that on November 19, 2017, International Men's Day, we released the film online worldwide to take it to as many people as possible and the response so far has been satisfying.

Full documentary is now available to watch here: www.vimeo.com/ondemand/martyrsofmarriage

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and your trust in me and this project. If you had not supported, I would not have been able to take the film to so many places.

Since the film is now online, I closed the fundraising campaign few days ago.

I was a little inactive for last few months as I had to work on the film again because of some unfortunate developments post my travel to Australia.  It took some time to get the film back in a form fit for online release. I also took up a job to keep myself afloat financially.

Every phase in this journey taught me something and has only strengthened my resolve to keep contributing to the space of men’s issues.

I hope you keep in touch with me and my efforts always. The best way to reach me is through my email id deepikanarayan@gmail.com and to keep yourself updated on what’s happening with the film, please subscribe for updates on www.martyrsofmarriage.com.

I have contact details of most of the donors except those who donated anonymously, I shall keep you posted about developments from my end. We shall be releasing the DVD of the film also sometime in January. I shall keep you all posted regarding the same.

As a donor, I would be more than happy to provide a free access to the film to you. Please reach out to me on martyrsofmarriage@gmail.com to request the same and I shall ensure you have a free access. Please write in subject line: DONOR ACCESS TO THE FILM

I am extremely happy to share with you that I have been invited to speak at a global media summit by BBC next week in Manchester, UK. I shall be in Manchester and London for a week. If you are there, please do write to me and I will be more than happy to have a word or meet. We are also screening the documentary in London on December 8th. Here's the link for the same: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/martyrs-of-marriage-london-screening-tickets-40156388840

It's a free screening but we have very few seats left. If you are there, it would be a pleasure if you join in.

Last but not the least, I am available on Facebook on "Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj" and on twitter on @DeepikaBhardwaj . Please stay in touch.

If you have any queries or anything to ask, please do reach out.

If you can help me in any which way in larger distribution of the documentary around the world, please reach out to me on deepikanarayan@gmail.com

Sincere Gratitude.

God bless you for all the support extended.

Warm Regards
Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj

Dear Donor,

Hope this message finds you in best of health and spirits.

I reach out to you today to share a very important development that has happened with respect to IPC 498A and its misuse. On July 27th , 2017, Supreme Court of India passed another landmark judgment commenting on misuse of this provision and the need to curb its abuse by passing relevant guidelines as remedial measures. The judgment has been hailed as a very crucial step towards providing relief to victims of misuse of this provision by most in the legal fraternity and also those who have seen this abuse up close and personal. There are some hesitations as well if this will really solve the problem. However, the immediate reliefs that the Supreme Court has provided, in my personal opinion, will benefit a huge population suffering because of abuse of this law.

Although the entire credit for this major milestone goes to the person who approached Supreme Court for this relief - Mr. Rajesh Sharma and his counsels and countless activists who have been working on this issue for past more than a decade; as Director of 'Martyrs of Marriage'  a documentary film based on this issue and an activist who has been raising this voice for a long time, I am happy that efforts of so many are bearing fruits. Senior most Judges who attended screening of the documentary film in various cities have sent me congratulatory messages post the judgment, applauding the efforts through the film. I am thankful to you as a contributor to this project's outreach to people through public screenings.

Few important things that were discussed in 'Martyrs of Marriage' through legal luminaries see a light of the day in this judgment like possible formation of one family law through which different cases filed between couples are clubbed and heard at the same time (SC has asked for clubbing of cases), proper investigation of complaints before any arrest is effected (complaints to be assessed by Family Welfare Committee before any arrests) and relief to family members by giving them exemption from personal appearances. SC has also said that the courts and police must not impound passports or issue red corner notices in routine manner in these cases.

Post the judgment, I have recorded videos that I have shared with people to give them a clearer picture on what the judgment is and what it means for the litigants. I am also sharing with you a link to the judgment and highlights of the same.

Please find time to go through these.

Judgment and related story: http://www.livelaw.in/breaking-misuse-of-s-498a-sc-directs-to-form-family-welfare-committees-to-examine-each-cases-no-arrests-before-committees-report-read-new-guidelines/

I breakdown the Judgment and most important highlights in a Facebook Live Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB-qKNuiN40&feature=youtu.be

Shonee Kapoor , Lawyer and an MRA explains legal nuances of the judgment - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c0nm_v0mpE

Swarup Sarkar, Amit Lakhani of Save Indian Family share what the judgment means to activists and what is the way forward- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx3AQhSEHSM&t=97s

While Supreme Court has passed these guidelines, their implementation in coming times will only tell how useful they will be to people who suffer because of misuse of IPC 498A.

Once again, thanks for your continued support.

God bless you.

Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj
Director - Martyrs of Marriage
www.martyrsofmarriage.com 

Dear Donors,

Screenings of Martyrs of Marriage in Australia was a stupendous success. At ICMI - International Conference on Men's Issues, several audience from Australia and many other countries appreciated the film immensely and shared concern about the situation in India. During our screening in Melbourne, we had government officials who have been part of groups that have debated upon passing of a 498A like law in Australia. The film gave them insight into ongoing issues in India with the law and they expressed interest in showcasing the film to Lawmakers in Australia if they decide positively on bringing a law for Indian Community in Australia. We also screened the film at Western Sydney University where the society which screened it has planned to showcase the film again for larger awareness among students there as well.

I am now working on the film's release online. It is my duty to share with you that the film has got into slight issues post my screenings in Australia regarding consent of one of the participants in the film which Milaap also is aware of. The development has been damaging but I am confident I will be able to handle it. Some people (none from the donors) have raised concerns over this crowd fund and its spends. Should any of you who have contributed to my efforts for this campaign have questions or concerns please reach out to me directly on deepikanrayan@gmail.com and I will be happy to connect you with those who have organized the screenings in various cities and the expenditures we have incurred.

I understand the responsibility on my shoulders as you as a donor to this campaign have invested not only your money but also your trust in me.

I would request you to also log into www.martyrsofmarriage.com and subscribe yourself for all updates related to the film.

I am just an email away! Please do reach out if you have any queries.

Warm Regards,
Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj
www.martyrsofmarriage.com