“The beauty of a nation lies in the diversity of its people.” India today is famously know for its cultures and tradition where women are given the most respected place in the society that still follows ancient values and traditions. But, is it really that way? It is extremely painful to watch the status of women’s safety in a country where women are given the stature of goddesses. Women in India are far from being considered equals. Not a day passes when you don’t hear news of crimes against women be it acid attacks, sexual assaults, domestic violence, honour killings, mental or physical abuse. Age does not matter, be it a 6 month old girl or a 80 year old female almost every women has to go through the atrocities of men. Every women staying in an abusive relationship is just due to the fear of so called 'society'. Society specially one like ours plays an important role in every life. Lord Rama who never doubted his wife, yet abandoned Sita after rescuing her from Ravana because some ordinary citizens still did not approve of Sita’s chastity even after going through Agni Parikasha. Why was there a need for Sita to go through Agni Parikasha or to prove her chastity? A question that still remains unanswered. Today we are living in the 21st century and women are still fighting for their right to equality. There is a reserved quota in every organisation whether government or private. Do we really need Women still fight for a reserved quota. But do women really need a quota? Rape the issues on the rise, for which people are talking and sharing their opinions in mass. In some parts of India like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh rapes are being compared with claps, this is both wrong and disrespectful. Well, rape is not a dirty secret, it is a violent crime. It is very disturbing to hear that out of all the rape occurring in India only a portion of those are reported. Even disturbing to think about the ones who are suffering to themselves, Because they don’t think or believe that the judicial system is not strong enough to bring them justice or again the fear of our so called 'society' forces women to keep quiet. Our society seems to be divided over two opposite views about women as innocent beings who will remain untouched by their environment and as sexual objects who need to be protected by ‘decent’ men from other men. India is known for its traditions, which is true in a way. But, it is also the excuse which has made the society so rigid. Our society always claims to be pro women, but still forgets about them. we are aware yet completely unaware of our culture. None of our scriptures ever said to disregard , objectify or abuse women. On the state of womanhood, the Vedas, declare that women are the embodiment of great intellect and virtue. “A scholarly woman, the entire life of society depends upon you. You provide us the right knowledge. May you bring knowledge to all segments of society.” — Rigveda 2.41.17 The Atharva Veda, particularly advocates for female empowerment, claiming that women are an integral aspect of society. O woman! Utilize your Vedic intellect in all directions of our home!” — Atharva Veda 14.1.64 The Vedas also place a heavy emphasis on the education of girl child. Believing each individual to be equal to the next, Vedic literature not only encourages women and girls to be scholarly, but expresses that it is the duty of each parent to ensure that their daughter is brought up and educated with great effort and care. After all, as the Devi Mahatmya (a religious text expounding upon the glories of the Goddess) states, “All forms of knowledge are aspects of Thee, and all women throughout the world are Thy forms.” Though through the years we have made correction in our social mentalities but these have not proven to be enough. After reading and understanding our history one truly can't help but wonder when these holy scriptures turned into hollow excuses ?
Comments