The Growing Disparities within our Society!

The comments of the Village elders and their attempt to save their accused sons in the recent Noida rape case and putting entire blame on the girl is a mere depiction of how women are still ill treated and not given due respect in many parts of the second largest growing economy of the world. On one hand the growth of our country has been so phenomenon that even foreigners are taking lessons from our achievements and progress.And on the other side this growth is so uneven that it creates two different segments of the society altogether and mind you this disparity that i am talking about is not in monetary terms but the one which questions the very definition of morality. There is a segment of society which is deeply attatched to the traditional value system and is finding it difficult to adjust to the changing customs and traditions. And side by side exists a segment which has moulded itself into these new so called western traditions.

No doubt the old values and tradition define the Indian culture but to seek shield under those very traditions to malign the image of girl or suppress women in general is not part of our culture.

Today women are walking shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts in every sphere of life then be it driving an autorichshaw or flying an aeroplane. And if men have the freedom to do whatever they want to, from how they dress to what profession they chose, then why should women be denied this right? And the segment of society with the new traditions have indeed accepted this fact and are helping women to climb up the ladder of self dependency.

But the segment with the old values and also narrow thought process fails to appreciate this fact.The male dominated society of this segment find it insulting if women try to do anything other then what they want them to do! For them women should stay behind closed doors and perform only household chores and should have no dreams and aspirations.

But is this what our tradition and values teach us?

Does the other segment which moves with the changing world have no values..so to say?

Should women actually stay behind closed doors if they want to protect themselves?

The answer to all the above question is a strict "NO".

Firstly, in our tradition and culture a daughter is given an equal respect as Goddess Laxmi. Nowhere do they preach to suppress or ill treat women. Secondly, the new segment of society does indeed follow the values and tradition but they do side by side adopt to changing surroundings ie the changing world. So if they work in multi national companies on one hand they also respect their elders and celebrate all customs and also festivals. And lastly , why should women stay indoors to protect themselves. Why in the first place should her freedom to walk freely, dress as per her choice and enjoy the benefits of education and to work to fulfill her dreams be curtailed.? Why does this need to protect even arise? Isn't it in our culture to provide a peaceful environment for existence! Don't our very own custom tell that eyeing other women is a sin! And isn't freedom the right for all!