A quiet revolution is unfolding in the heart of Haryana, where the Gaali Band Ghar Abhiyan, also known as the No Abuse Home Campaign, is preparing to enter 20 villages in Rohtak district. The initiative, hailed for its progressive stance on social reform, seeks to eradicate abusive language from daily conversation, steering communities towards a culture of respect and mindfulness.
At the forefront of this campaign is Sunil Jaglan, a professor of practice at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Rohtak. Jaglan, who previously earned national acclaim for his ‘Selfie with Daughter’ initiative, revealed plans for the campaign’s Rohtak chapter on Saturday. He underlined that the drive stems from the conviction that everyday abusive speech is far more than harmless banter; it feeds social discord, cultivates personal enmities, and can escalate into violence and even murder, particularly in rural areas where traditional attitudes often run deep.
Jaglan’s observation during his move to Rohtak earlier this year confirmed the challenge ahead. While Rohtak city stands as one of Haryana’s prominent urban centres, the prevalence of abusive language in casual conversation persists, a reality he found mirrored in the surrounding villages. This insight pushed him to bring his campaign to the district, aiming to plant the seeds of respectful discourse across diverse communities.
The Campaign’s Method: Data-Driven Change
Unlike mere awareness drives, the Gaali Band Ghar Abhiyan relies on a scientific, time-bound approach to reform entrenched social norms. At the core of this methodology lies community engagement through small, intimate gatherings of 15-20 residents in each village. These sessions open conversations around various social issues, gently leading to discussions about language habits and the consequences of verbal abuse.
This isn’t about public shaming, Jaglan insisted. Instead, the strategy focuses on identifying individuals with habitual use of abusive terms and guiding them towards self-realization. Participants are invited to join the campaign voluntarily, where they undergo personalized counselling and a systematic tracking process.
A distinctive tool of this movement is the “abuse log chart.” Participants receive printed charts on which they record every instance of abusive language used each day. These charts are displayed prominently in their homes, transforming private behaviour into a visible commitment to change. Over weeks and months, individuals can see their own patterns and monitor improvements, turning self-awareness into tangible action.
Jaglan explained that abusive language often goes unchecked because it’s normalized in the social fabric. Many people fail to grasp its destructive impact on relationships, community harmony, and mental health. By documenting each verbal outburst, the campaign forces a moment of reflection, prompting individuals to consider the weight of their words.
Abuse as a Mental Health Concern
Beyond the social implications, Jaglan views verbal abuse as an issue deeply linked to mental health. He highlighted that certain abuses, especially those that degrade women by invoking mothers, sisters, and daughters, leave lasting psychological scars. Such language perpetuates misogyny and reinforces harmful stereotypes that undercut efforts towards gender equality.
Jaglan warned that normalizing derogatory terms against women fosters a culture where violence can thrive. The campaign thus aims not only to curtail the language but to dismantle the thinking that sustains it. He believes that eradicating abusive speech is critical in creating safer, healthier environments for both men and women.
Part of this mission includes targeting the younger generation. Under the Gaali Band Ghar Abhiyan, bal panchayats, or children’s councils, are organized in schools. These gatherings educate students on the lifelong repercussions of verbal abuse and equip them with the skills to practice respectful communication. This early intervention is seen as essential in breaking intergenerational cycles of harmful language.
A Movement Rooted in Haryana, Spreading Nationally
The Gaali Band Ghar Abhiyan traces its roots back to 2014 in Bibipur village in Jind district, Haryana. Back then, Jaglan, who served as sarpanch of Bibipur, noticed how casually abusive language was woven into conversations, even during discussions on social reform. Recognizing this contradiction, he launched the campaign to push people towards a more mindful way of speaking.
Over time, the movement expanded from Bibipur to other parts of Haryana, including urban and rural pockets in Jind, Hisar, Gurugram, and Nuh. Each region presented unique challenges, but the consistent factor was the deeply ingrained habit of using offensive terms, often as casual fillers in speech.
Jaglan’s efforts began drawing national attention, particularly after he linked the campaign’s messaging to broader themes like gender rights and community peace. Social media played a significant role in amplifying the message, allowing stories of personal transformation to inspire others far beyond Haryana’s borders.
The Human Faces of Change
While statistics provide a sense of scale, the real impact of the Gaali Band Ghar Abhiyan shines through personal narratives. At a recent state-level function held at Maharshi Dayanand University, individuals who had undergone profound personal change through the campaign shared their experiences.
Among them was Khushi from Noida, who admitted she once peppered her daily conversation with abusive terms. Through counselling and consistent logging, she managed to reduce her use of abusive language by 70 percent. She described how her relationships improved and how people around her noticed a shift in her temperament.
Another story came from Raihana from West Bengal, who convinced her father to stop using derogatory terms after she joined the campaign. She spoke about how language shapes family dynamics and how toxic words create divisions even in close relationships. Her father’s gradual transformation became a source of hope in her community.
Ramika, originally from Delhi but now settled in England, represented the campaign’s growing international dimension. She has been advocating for the initiative overseas, speaking at forums and using digital platforms to spread awareness. For her, the Gaali Band Ghar Abhiyan serves as a reminder that abusive language is not confined to any geography; it is a global issue requiring persistent efforts.
These testimonies underscored Jaglan’s point that individuals can, and do, change, given the right support and tools. He maintained that while laws and regulations play their part, social transformation often begins with personal accountability and community dialogue.
Technology Meets Tradition
The Gaali Band Ghar Abhiyan is an example of how technology can bolster traditional community-based reform. The campaign leverages social media not only to share success stories but to foster online communities where participants exchange experiences and encourage one another. Jaglan believes the viral potential of digital platforms has helped normalize the conversation about verbal abuse, once considered a private matter or even an acceptable social habit.
Beyond social media, Jaglan’s team has developed digital versions of the abuse log charts, allowing participants to track their language on mobile apps. This modern approach is particularly effective among younger demographics, who are more accustomed to using smartphones and online tools for self-improvement.
Still, technology alone cannot replace face-to-face interaction. Jaglan emphasized that the most significant breakthroughs occur in personal conversations within villages, where social bonds are strong and the influence of community leaders carries weight.
Future Plans in Rohtak
The rollout in Rohtak will initially cover 20 villages and extend into urban neighbourhoods of the city itself. Jaglan expressed optimism that Rohtak, with its mix of rural heritage and urban aspirations, is ready to embrace the message.
Local residents, he reported, have shown curiosity about the campaign and a willingness to engage in dialogue. The success of the earlier phases in other districts has encouraged authorities and village panchayats in Rohtak to support the initiative. Several local schools have already signaled their interest in hosting bal panchayats to address the issue among students.
Jaglan acknowledged that changing entrenched habits takes time. The campaign operates in six-month cycles, during which participants track their progress. Data from previous districts shows a measurable reduction in the use of abusive language, validating the campaign’s approach.
Challenges on the Road Ahead
Despite its successes, the campaign confronts significant obstacles. One of the toughest is the deeply rooted belief that abusive language is harmless or even a sign of masculinity and assertiveness. In many communities, using strong language is considered an acceptable way to display dominance or authority.
Jaglan also pointed to the challenge of sustaining momentum after initial enthusiasm wanes. Some participants, while initially committed, slip back into old habits over time. This highlights the need for long-term engagement and the support of local influencers who can reinforce positive change.
Funding remains another concern. Although the campaign has received attention and some institutional support, maintaining a movement of this scale requires consistent financial resources. Jaglan continues to seek partnerships with government bodies, private organizations, and philanthropic donors who share the vision of building respectful communities.
A Vision for Social Harmony
At its heart, the Gaali Band Ghar Abhiyan is more than a linguistic crusade. It seeks to transform attitudes that underpin societal conflicts and gender violence. Jaglan believes that respectful communication is fundamental to any society aspiring for equality, peace, and mental well-being.
He described the campaign as a way to reclaim dignity, especially for women, whose identities are too often insulted in everyday abusive speech. By teaching people to choose their words carefully, the campaign hopes to cultivate empathy and mutual respect—values he believes are crucial for a progressive society.
As preparations continue for the Rohtak chapter, Jaglan remains steadfast in his belief that even the most entrenched habits can be changed. The journey might be long, but for him and his team, every individual who learns to replace an abusive word with a respectful one signifies a victory.
The Gaali Band Ghar Abhiyan stands as a reminder that social reform often begins not with grand laws or declarations, but in the ordinary conversations people have every day. And in the homes of Rohtak’s villages, a new kind of conversation is waiting to unfold—one that might one day echo across the country and beyond.
