What happened to us?

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We just celebrated the international Women’s Day on March 8th. A great day dedicated to women and thanking them for the society we are in. while exchanging messages from different contacts and relaying them to my wife, I was reminded of the season 1 episode 1 of “Satyamev Jayate” program which was aired on May 6th, 2012. Anchored and and beautifully tackled by Amir Khan, the show focused on the topic of “Female Foeticide”. Looking back at the statistics recorded in the 2011 census in India, the rate shows killing of about a million girls a year. Considering the demographies, it is noted that the rate of female foeticide is higher in both literate and as well as illiterate communities. Even affluent communities have shown this mortal sin at skyrocketing rates. In another disturbing news, a few weeks ago, a high ranking official stabbed his wife suspecting her of infidelity. Rapes have become a regular feature.

Even while we consider the rest of the crimes (molestation, eve teasing, groping etc.) committed against women to be insignificant, this is quite alarming. However, given our state, the crimes are rising just like Sursa’s mouth.

The Indian society – predominated by the Hindu philosophy of living has always worshipped women as a Godess, a mother, a sister, a wife and a daughter. There are countless examples of learned and even warrior females in the Hindu scriptures.

The question arises as to why have we degenerated ourselves into the unfathomable society that we are in today?

In my view, the issue lies in within us and in our interpretation of our habituated truths! Whether it’s us or our children, our thoughts emanate from our values. Our values come from our beliefs. And our beliefs come from what we see, what we hear and what we practice. Like it or not, we have created this myth that the woman is inferior to man – check it out yourself – a man chooses his bride and can reject anyone without having to give an explanation. We have considered that a male is positive while the female is negative. A person born with a female body is considered to be a burden as compared to a male body. We have started a comparison amongst the two than understanding the differences and the abilities of the two. The scriptures celebrate both – male and female – saying that they are inseparable and the two together only can help you understand the nature.

In the past when there were news articles about the disgrace brought upon women, certain intellectuals deftly shifted the responsibility. Looking back at our fundamentals was missed out by many. Our scriptures, tell us stories about

  • Bhudevi who runs as a cow to escape the wrath of gods, humans and asuras but is comfortably sitting beside Vishnu upon assurance of her well-being
  • Lakshmi who runs away from Indra who desires her but is calmly sitting with Vishnu who just loves her without desire.
  • Parvati who loves, adores Shiva even when he is mendicant and unattached to everything
  • Kali who rises above Shiva and drinks blood

What we see are two very extreme portraits of a woman and her relationship with a man. In my understanding, the society is struggling hard to find the balance between the two extremes. And since we do not understand a true balance, we often allude to it being nonexistent and commit heinous crimes towards each other.

The importance for the society is to realize the difference and acknowledge it. Just as we acknowledge the different creations of nature, we need to acknowledge the man and the woman. After all, it’s only the difference of physical appearance. Spiritually we are the same. Once we can appreciate the differences and allow for both the forms to coexist and move forward will we be able to create a better society for all. Not only this applies to the crimes committed towards other women or children, but also in our married lives.

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