Wake up, India - It's now or never

A few weeks ago, I read an article about some of the most dangerous places in this world. It was terrifying and sent shivers down my spine. I found that all the cities and countries mentioned had one thing in common. They are unsafe to the general public as a whole without any discrimination based on the gender. If women safety, or the lack of it alone is considered to be a criteria, I presumed India will occupy a top 5 spot. I was right but wasn't too proud that I was.

I maybe less informed about many other cruel incidents world over, but what has happened to women in recent times in this country, Bangalore in particular, are terribly disgusting. For all the accolades we offer ourselves as being proud Indians, I personally don’t think we deserve anything of that. The laws we have framed are uselessly compassionate towards the offender, while showing little of that towards the victim.

If a six year old kid cannot be protected from being assaulted, there is something seriously wrong with the way the country is being administered. Over the years, we have safely and without a spine, passed on the blame towards poor rape victims making silly references to their attire and time of the day they travel. How on earth do we justify in the same way with respect to this little kid? She is just beginning her life and has no idea on how good or bad the world is. If someone can cause a permanent damage to her and get away unscathed, it’s time all of us hide our heads in shame. Let’s for a moment place ourselves in the parents’ shoes and come back. Did one of us return without a heavy heart? How do they explain to her on what went on? Can she ever recover from the trauma? Is she mature enough to do that? 

Rape, in any form, is a cardinal sin. The one who indulges in it deserves to be put through a severe dose of chemical castration or merely be castrated in the crudest form. This should be followed by years of social service and/or a complete disconnect from near and dear ones, if any. We live in a country where the ones who steal for hunger gets punished [not justifying stealing though] and the aforementioned monsters are allowed to get away merrily. It cannot be the case anymore. One of my favorite movie dialogues says “Dhandanaigal kadumayana dhaan thappukkal korayum” (only when the punishments get firmer, we can expect crime to lessen). I greatly believe in that philosophy. Make people aware on the price they have to pay for committing crime, knowing very well they shouldn't. Tighten the laws, let’s get more principled. The Gandhian way isn't working. Let's take a leaf out of Bhagat Singh's book instead and begin the cleansing activity. We are making ourselves a laughing stock otherwise.

                           

Save the female crowd - They are such a beautiful presence on Mother Earth and too precious to be taken for granted. Until that happens and they feel secure as individuals in this country, I will continue to be ashamed of being called a Man. 

I haven’t forgotten Nirbhaya, the various acid attacks, the brutally trafficked children, the ones who got murdered and countless others who are suffering due to no fault of theirs. All of you will be fondly remembered and our prayers will continue to go on with a hope that God is watching!