Are we really free? What does freedom taste like? This is
one question that remains unanswered for every single person even after 67
years of our country’s independence.
Which freedom should we talk about? Leave alone the
fundamental rights stated in the constitution, lately in our country there is
not even the freedom to dress or walk anywhere one wants. Are you confused
about what I am saying? I am speaking about the freedom which women are still
deprived of. Nelson Mandela said – "Freedom would be meaningless
without security at home and in the streets." So is India’s freedom
meaningless? Did we fight for nothing?
Women have proved themselves in every field – Sarojini
Naidu, Bachendri Pal, Mother Teresa, Kalpana Chawla, Indra Nooyi , Kiran Bedi,
Meira Kumar, Sania Nehwal, Lata Mangeshkar – the list is really long. And this
is only about India. If I start mentioning global names, you will be astonished
to have never even heard their names. Amazed? Not only the above names, there
are several other women in numerous other career fields who have carved a niche
for themselves. Still, women are considered to be weak, vulnerable and fragile.
I admit that women aren’t physically comparable to men, but does that make her
weak? Does any man have the capacity to bring a new life into this world?
I am not blaming our country or its laws. Neither am I
trying to revolt against the society or its norms. I am just sad, heartbroken
and utterly disappointed. Want to know why? A notice board in Ranchi stated –
“If girls are seen wearing jeans or walking without dupattas, acid will be
thrown on their faces” which was in accordance with the rules made by Jharkhand
Mukti Morcha. Who has given them the right to even post such a notice? Why is
nothing being done against them? Who is answerable here? There are many such
questions that will always remain unanswered.
It is ironic that even Wikipedia search about ‘Women in
India’ highlights dowry, female foeticide, women trafficking, molestation and
other issues that show the weak and oppressed side of women. To consider a
woman weak is the biggest mistake that can be made by a man. It is the
patience, power of resilience, forgiving nature and a tender heart of a woman
that makes a home. If she were to start asking her rights and freedom at every
single instance of deprivation, family would only be a notion.
Admire, appreciate and love every woman in your life –
daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, wife and friends. Let us try creating an
independent India with independent minds.
