The entire nation has awakened, especially the youth to the cause of women, immediately after the barbaric incident in Delhi. Though incidents of rape have been repeatedly happening throughout the nation, reports on these are being given more reportage now. Amidst all the uproar, what is important to ponder is the history of violent acts against women.
Is this crisis more rampant since last few centuries, decades or after our celebrated freedom. It is incorrect to presume that women have been treated as inferior in our mythology and legends. In fact, they are always respected and deified. The Pauranic tales glorify women as powerful in every aspect.
Man is the element of water and woman is the element of fire in Yogic philosophy.
She is the flame and fire- she is energy, nature, movement, aesthetic beauty and he is considered as ‘nothing’ without her just as Shiva is a corpse [Shava] without the potent strength, Shakti.
In this context, what seems to have happened during the years is ‘rape’ of our entire Indian philosophy and spirituality.
When foreign invasions did not succeed, that is to infiltrate into our core values this has been achieved by Indian leaders who have created a widespread inequality in society in terms of every basic human need.
The dichotomy in the lives of millions, especially in our cities is one of the root causes.
The social evils of poverty, unemployment and dowry harassment form a triangle in this vicious circle of stigma against women. The urban poor live in a single room at the most where the children are witnesses to daily incidents of domestic rape or they become victims themselves.
The urban rich have very little time as they are more keen on leading high society lives than to instill any family values.
Women cannot depend on men financially anymore unless the family is well-understanding and at the same time, they cannot delegate certain duties that they are more skilled to do. The role of a mother or a wife is extremely important as this is how the adage - ‘A woman can make or mar a man’ was built. She is the binding force in a family and nowadays, she is holding an equally exalted esteem in many walks of life throughout the world.
When some of the historical stories relate that the lady of the house took her share of the meal after feeding everyone, it does not mean that she was forced to do so by others.
It is only because the true nature of love, giving and compassion is something that came naturally to a woman. Of course, in today’s circumstances, when she also runs around for earning the bread for the family, she may want others to serve her as well.
This mutual regard is to become a part and parcel of family structure itself. Here is the vital key to a balanced society.
Dr Padmaja Suresh, Bharatanatyam dancer/teacher