'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'! 'Vande Mataram'! Goosebumps.
Do we ever pause and think why a nation is called 'motherland' ( barring Germany, which is called 'fatherland')? Probably not. We raise our slogans and feel proud.
When a girl is born, we say 'Laxmi ayi hain'! Are we happy, or are we trying to overcompensate our guilt of not feeling happy? The 'Honesty Award' in this regard should go to the state of Haryana, where according to a survey carried out by the NGO Breakthough, 90 per cent of parents prefer boys over girls (the remaining could just be diplomatic).
Going by the symbolics, is it an honor to be called Laxmi? The lady is mostly seen at the feet of Vishnu, tending to him, as he reclines horizontally on the coils of his serpent. Now we know where our men draw their inspirations from.
Talking of honor, is it a good thing? This honor. The pedestals being given to us. They sound good. And who wouldn't love a dose of appreciation. But then our country is known more for 'honor killing' than the so called 'honor'. Well if they don't manage the sonograms in the first place that is, and a 'girl child' is born.
How often do we use the condescending term 'girl child' without even realizing it. Why 'girl child'? Why not just 'girl' or 'child'? The government liberally uses the term when drafting the various programmes. And what names, 'Ladli Laxmi' (Laxmi..again), Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana (Kanyadan..well this one requires a separate article) and so on.
'Nirbahaya', the fearless, the courageous. Sorry sweetheart, up in heaven, couldn't gather the courage to watch the BBC documentary, after watching its clip where your mother narrates your last moments with her. 'India's Daugher'. Is that what you were? Are remembered? "Jyoti Singh deserves the dignity of her name. So much was snatched from her, show her parents and her memory respect please" tweeted writer Sonia Chopra.
On this women's day, just for a day, can we (including men and women...one cannot put all the blame of atrocities against women on men alone) treat her as a human being, not a daughter, mother, sister or wife.
For a change, instead of between putting her or on pedestal or on rags, find a middle ground. Maybe listen to her, and not look through her as if she is a wall, when she offers her opinions. Shake that inertia and co-cook with her in the kitchen ( your kids will thank you for setting that example when they grow up). How about letting (not permitting, ok) her choose, if she wants to take up a career, or give up one. Or just notice her presence and not take her for granted.
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