By: Dipak Kurmi
The tragic journey from Nirbhaya to Abhaya reveals a sobering truth: our country remains mired in the same horrors. The brutal rape and murder of a Kolkata-based intern doctor is a grim reminder that, despite the passing years, little has changed. This heinous crime has once again jolted a nation that has been dormant in its response to such atrocities for far too long. While we continue to celebrate International Women’s Day and Independence Day with great enthusiasm, the stark reality is that the safety and respect for women are still far from guaranteed.
We hold our heads high with pride, but it begs the question: are our women truly free? Many still remain trapped in the clutches of male chauvinism, a modern form of slavery. A wise philosopher once said, “If you love someone, set them free. If they return, they were always yours; if not, they never were.” Yet, in the throes of deep love, a person often strives to possess the one they desire, driven by a need to hold on to what they believe is theirs.
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Possessiveness can sometimes escalate to an almost obsessive level, where the lover becomes increasingly desperate and seeks to exert complete control over their partner. This is often the breaking point in many relationships, leading them to unravel and ultimately fail. Jean-Jacques Rousseau famously wrote in ‘The Social Contract’ that man is born free, yet finds himself in chains everywhere. It’s true that no one willingly remains bound, even for a moment. A parrot in a cage, no matter how lavish, can never truly be at peace. The captive bird, even in a gilded cage, will often be seen restlessly flapping its wings, yearning to escape and soar freely in the open sky.
Subjugation is universally detested, whether by animals or humans. Sadly, India has a notorious history of slavery, a system to which many women are still subjected today. The great kings of the past were infamous for keeping vast numbers of female slaves, who lived in miserable conditions and were always at the service of their masters. In the grand epics like the Mahabharata, there are numerous references to both male and female slavery. While the overt practice of slavery as it existed in ancient times has largely disappeared, the mindset that fueled it has not entirely vanished. Slavery still persists, albeit in different forms and guises.
The feminist writings of modern authors like Kamla Das, Shashi Deshpande, and Venessa R. Sasson have shed a harsh light on the lives of women still trapped in domestic slavery, enduring suffocating conditions within their own homes. These women silently bear the crushing weight of relentless domestic labor, akin to a bird caged within the confines of their household. The stranglehold of patriarchy remains strong, refusing to loosen its grip on many women. The abhorrent practice of the Pardha system, a form of female seclusion still prevalent in parts of India and beyond, continues despite sharp criticism from intellectuals like Amitaz Dharkar. The symbolic veil that women are forced to wear is almost impenetrable, too thick to be easily removed.
There’s no denying that today’s women have achieved significant milestones. They stand alongside men in various fields, making their mark in ways that were once unimaginable. The term “women empowerment” has become a buzzword, capturing widespread attention and admiration. However, for many, it remains more of an idealized concept than a fully realized reality.
Some women from the elite and privileged classes enjoy the freedom to venture out after dark, but they do so at their own risk. The streets are prowled by predators, intoxicated and on the loose. While some women have the luxury of visiting pubs and bars to escape their worries, they do so under the constant shadow of fear, like a sword of Damocles hanging over them. Social norms have evolved to some extent, offering a glimpse of hope at the end of the tunnel. But how many women truly have the chance to bask in that light? The unfortunate reality is that not all women share in the joy of freedom. Many are not safe in their own country, a distressing truth that weighs heavily on any sensitive soul. Regressive attitudes persist in many corners of India, and crimes like gang rapes followed by murders are all too common. Perhaps this is why the birth of a daughter is still met with trepidation rather than celebration in many families. The grim reality is that heinous crimes against women remain far from eradicated.
Girls are often denied the education they deserve, simply because they are expected to be married off and handed over to another family someday. This obsession with having a male child has led to countless crimes and horrific situations. While watching a crime show on Sony TV, I was horrified to learn about an educated family that fell victim to the deceit of a fraudulent Tantric. Convinced by his bizarre claims that sacrificing a young child would ensure the birth of a male heir, they heartlessly murdered an innocent child from their neighborhood. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. There are countless other terrifying stories that reveal the dark depths of such superstition and ignorance.
We continue to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 each year, proudly holding our heads high. But the nagging question that lingers is whether our women are truly free. Unfortunately, the answer remains a resounding no.
Many women remain trapped in the harsh grip of a modern form of slavery, driven by male chauvinism. The horrifying incidents of female foeticide and rape serve as stark reminders that too many still cling to outdated and harmful beliefs about women. It’s high time we change our mindset toward women in society. Adopting a zero-tolerance policy is crucial if we are to make any meaningful progress. (The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
