New India-
Busy streets, chaotic shops and markets, everyone lost in their hum drum of life, engaged in mundane activities, crowded airports and railway stations and gigantic MNC buildings soaring high up in the sky. This current picture of India is a complete contrast to what the land had been seventy eight years ago.
This land has witnessed unimaginable bloodsheds, uncountable sacrifices and immense sufferings that can neither be measured nor compensated.
While we continue to enjoy the freedom that have been granted to us by the immortal freedom fighters, we commemorate them only on the 15th day of August. Nevertheless, the gift that we have been given should be cherished and respected by all the citizens of our country.
It is the achievement of our social reformers that women’s status has also seen a significant progress throughout these years. Most of the women receive education and many of them have bagged respectable positions in the society through their professions.
Concerns-
But, independence somehow remains as an irony in the society. In a land where Goddess Durga is worshipped as ‘Maa’, where Maa Kali is seen as the epitome of power, both celebrated to mark triumph over evil, our own mothers, daughters and sisters have fallen prey to the evil.
Although there are a lot of successful Indian women shining bright like diamonds who continue inspiring millions, somehow there are still many who become victims on grounds of patriarchy.
The constant need to validate men’s superiority over women and showcase their chivalry has become so important that its portrayal can be seen through unfortunate sexual assault and violence against women which do not fail to make to the headlines of the newspaper. The rise of these incidents has put a boundary to the dreams of many.
Nothing could be more heart harrowing than to see old and crippled women also talking part in protest and candle marches.
Seventy- eight years of independence, isn’t it? From a five year old daughter to an eighty year old widow, has there really been any empirical advancement in women’s safety?We still come across phrases saying “Safety measures for women should be changed and implemented”. Is this what we are saving for our next generation?
India has always been praised for its diversity and the coexistence of heavenly scenic beauties. Not only has the landscape of the country but the advancement in technology and space missions earned great respect for India among others.
But it has failed as a society and will continue to be a failure if the ‘Creator of Life’ on this planet is not protected.
Think-
Respect cannot be based on gender. The way we choose to live will bring small changes in the society eventually leading to an enriched country in the long run. We should hold on to the legacy of our freedom fighters.
It should be a country where everyone should stand together without this discrimination. Most importantly, we’ll be closer to our dream India when ‘Woman will stand for a Woman’.
By Ambika Banerjee
