Psychologist Divija Bhasin started the #ProudRandi campaign to reclaim the anti-women word ‘Randi’ and break gender stigma. However, complaints have been filed against this campaign alleging its bad effect on minors.
Who is Divija Bhasin: Delhi-based psychologist and mental health influencer Divija Bhasin, inspired by homophobic reform strategies, has launched the #ProudRandi campaign on social media platform He also started the #ProudRandi campaign on YouTube on November 10, 2025.
What is the objective of #ProudRandi campaign?
The aim of this campaign is to challenge and remove the negative connotations and stigma associated with ‘Randi’. Apart from this, there is also the normalization and reclaiming of sexually derogatory words, especially ‘randi’, used by the patriarchal society to silence or humiliate women.
Why is #ProudRandi campaign being criticized?
Divija Bhasin, through videos and posts on social media, has appealed to women to accept the word ‘randi’ as an aspect of their identity and eliminate the fear associated with it. The initiative also inspired many minors to adopt the #ProudRandi hashtag. However, due to this, many critics, including activist Anubhav Gupta, filed a complaint with the Uttar Pradesh Police under the POCSO Act for allegedly spreading obscenity. It was alleged that this initiative was motivating minors to use inappropriate language.
Who is Divija Bhasin?
Divija Bhasin is a counselor psychologist. He has graduated in Psychology Honors from Ambedkar University, Delhi. Apart from this, he has obtained a master’s degree in Applied Clinical Psychology from Bath University, England. Apart from this, he also has a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Amity University. Divija Bhasin spreads awareness about mental health through short reels. Divija is also the founder of a mental health organization named ‘The Friendly Couch’, which works to provide therapy. Divija has 5.20 lakh followers on Instagram. At the same time, he has a channel on YouTube named awkwardgoat3, which has more than 1 lakh subscribers. Let us tell you that Divija Bhasin also makes videos on issues considered taboo in the society.