Interesting Times...

International Women’s Day –> 8-03-2013

“India is not, as people keep calling it, an under-developed country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.” – Shashi Tharoor

Although this quote doesn’t exactly relate to the topic at hand, the phrase ‘in an advanced state of decay’ made me think of the current state of the country. It may well be on its way to becoming the third largest economy in the world like the FM, Mr. Chidambaram has quoted in his Budget Speech, but when it comes to India’s integrity and honor, in its real sense, is certainly in an advanced state of decay.

In the madness to be Westernized, the core values of what INDIA is all about, are lost. Yes, westernization is a sign that says one is advanced and up-to-date with the world trends. But, in my thinking, Indians may have taken that aspect a bit farther than is considered appropriate. The point I am trying to make is that some people think that being advanced is to take advantage of and violate the integrity of women. Some are of the mindset that in the Western culture to be extra friendly and open about physical desires is the norm. So they expect that modern Indian women should act the same. Or maybe just the fact that they appear Westernized sets their minds off, and nameless atrocities are inflicted upon women every day.  

For this and many other reasons, women today are in a quandary whether to go forward or to go back in time; back in time where they belonged indoors, never setting a foot outside, never speaking up or fighting for freedom from oppression. There is a constant fear and doubt, although on the outside, they exude confidence. No one has a clue about what to do to protect themselves from the unknown. All the pepper sprays and maces in the world won’t stop an alcohol-powered monster were he to decide on violating the innocence and the sense of self.

What CAN be done? It is the ever present and yet-to-be answered question in our minds. Do we wait for someone to save us? But looking at all the quiet, emotionless and apathetic faces around, there isn’t much hope there. I expect we should all be saved by better things than man. Yes, the whole mankind has hope in the other presence, doesn’t it? I like to think so. Believing in the supernatural is probably better than being constantly terrified by the reality.

If you want to achieve real advancement, sir, then respect women. Then you shall have respected India, the MOTHER land, who gave birth to countless perverted cretins, because of whom she cries the tears of blood.

And, to whoever who has blessed us that we live in interesting times, please take it back! Because we have had enough of interesting times for eons to come!

And that is what I’d intended to write.

Amen!