With a huge variety from north to south, east to west we are an opulent cultured country. Almost every state has carved their own cultural niche over years. Above religions and regions, most ancient and unique Indian culture has had a remarkable role for women. Hindu mythology, episodes of God like Shiva called Ardhanareeshwara have set an epitome to the gravity for women in Indian society. few words from Manusmṛiti, a rich text on Indian socio economic conditions explains the role of women in moulding Indian society.
yatra naaryastu puujyante ramante tatra devataaH |
yatraitaastu na puujyante sarvaastatraaphalaaH kriyaaH ||
Which means..
The divine are extremely happy where women are respected ;
where they are not, all actions (projects) are fruitless.
Over the period of evolution of Indian civilisation, women have evolved more powerful from a confined space. This greatness can be attributed to the society for allowing women to raise their head and move out of home. Growing par with men wasn't all enough, do we really share the respect that we owe them? If women moving out of home was a special block in the history, living frightened on road for their safety is the menace out of all the change.
Why aren't our women safe is a question that pricks every mind. while most of us are reluctant to answer, most of the very few answers we give boast around Indian culture. Dressing to behaviour,many say going apart from Indian tradition and culture is the reason for crooked treatment on women. Same people dont have an answer if burning in acid , rape , killing was a part of culture.
Undoubtedly no one disagrees that we have to obliterate libidinous people out of this society. But, we complain governments don't act. I agree that governments should act strict , but to construct a society free of misdeed it is more important that culture and society evolves with a potential for this.
A case of prostitution has carried more mileage over an incident of rape in the recent time. There is an argument that making prostitution legal would divert the mind off from crime. If our culture is against making prostitution legal which happens with mutual concern from two parties, how adamant should our culture oppose to the crime against women. It's time we anatomize our culture, mould it in a way ready to handle present future and present. Inculcating respect towards women right from childhood is the need of hour. It's the responsibility of society, every mother and sister to enable an environment where no man mistreats women. Let's civilize to offer women a position they deserve.
Culture isn't what we have to follow, it is what we need to mend for being better.
