As the world prepares to observe International Men’s Day (IMD) on 19 November 2025, India has already witnessed meaningful, grassroots-driven initiatives highlighting men’s issues — issues often overlooked by mainstream media despite active conversations on social platforms.
Why International Men’s Day Matters
According to global explanations of IMD, the day aims to:
- Celebrate men’s roles in family, community, nation, and society.
- Address men’s mental health, emotional struggles, and high suicide rates.
- Promote positive male role models and responsible masculinity.
An article from a mainstream news outlet outlines six key reasons why IMD is celebrated. Read it here, The Times of India
Early Observance in Kolkata: Remembering Atul Subhash
On 16 November 2025, an NGO in Kolkata began commemorating IMD early by hosting a remembrance event for Atul Subhash — a man who publicly claimed he was trapped in fake legal cases by his wife and a judge, before his tragic death.
This remembrance event is not merely symbolic — it underscores the harsh reality that many men face:
- Legal victimisation,
- Social invisibility,
- Mental and emotional trauma,
- And the absence of support systems.
The Kolkata initiative highlights that IMD must not be confined to celebrations; it must also confront uncomfortable truths.
Social Media Voices: The Post by @narayanbaheti09
A post on X by @narayanbaheti09 (link previously shared) adds even more depth to this year’s IMD sentiment. His message reflects the struggles men face — emotional pain, systemic neglect, and the feeling that their suffering is often invalidated.
His voice represents a growing online movement:
- Large, active, and vocal communities of men sharing their lived experiences.
- Advocates demanding fair treatment, mental-health awareness, and justice reforms.
- Thousands of posts discussing bias, fake cases, divorce struggles, father’s rights, and male suicides.
But Mainstream Media Rarely Covers These Issues
Past history shows that despite the huge presence of Men’s Rights activism on X/Twitter, mainstream media outlets rarely publish or highlight such stories. This informative article from Times of India is a rare exception — signaling that when men’s issues make it into traditional media, the coverage is still limited.
This silence creates a dangerous imbalance:
- Men’s issues become “invisible.”
- Serious cases like those of Atul Subhash never reach public consciousness.
- Social and legal reforms for men remain stagnant.
- Men continue to suffer in silence because their narratives are not considered “newsworthy.”
This gap between online grassroots activism and traditional media coverage is one of the central themes that activists want highlighted this IMD.
Mumbai Joins In: Vaastav Foundation’s Event on 19 November
In Mumbai, the Vaastav Foundation — one of India’s most recognisable Men’s Rights organisations — will host an official IMD event on 19 November 2025.
Those interested in attending can join through the Contact Us page on their website: vaastav.org.
Their event will focus on:
- Men’s mental health
- Awareness about misuse of laws
- Support for men facing marital or legal crises
- Community building and peer support
Social Media Hashtags for IMD 2025
#InternationalMensDay #IMD2025 #MenMatterToo #MensRights #JusticeForMen #AtulSubhash #VaastavFoundation #MensDayIndia
A Call to Action
- Support or join the Kolkata remembrance efforts.
- Participate in the Mumbai Vaastav Foundation event.
- Share posts and voices like @narayanbaheti09 to amplify stories that mainstream outlets ignore.
- Encourage open discussions in schools, colleges and workplaces about men’s wellbeing.
Conclusion
International Men’s Day 2025 is shaping up to be a bold and honest movement in India — powered by NGOs, activists, and thousands of individuals on social media. But unless mainstream media acknowledges and amplifies these issues, the struggles of men will continue to remain hidden in the shadows.
This 19 November, let’s bridge that gap. Let’s ensure men’s stories are heard. Let’s ensure that #MenMatterToo. @vaastav
