Recent media reports about self-styled Taliban commanders in Pakistan's SWAT valley threatening schools educating girls has made me do a sober introspection. I fail to understand why they cannot see a smile on other's faces, why they cannot share their joy,why they cannot feel for them. To be honest, I am very disturbed.
Unfortunately, the scenario is India is not very different. There exists Taliban like instincts in rural India, which transcends all religion & caste barriers. This is the other India that I am discovering every day. It hurts to know that most women continue to be treated like cooking commodities, restricting them to their kitchens. Even young girls are not spared. They have a relatively joyful childhood. But once they attain puberty, that seems to be the end of their human life. They are not asked what they want. Young 14 year old girls continue to be forced into, marriage?, no, that doesn't seem to be the right word. I have seen this happening all around Mysore. And Mysore is relatively an advanced society. Cant imagine how bad it might be in say, Rajasthan, how about Bihar ?
I cannot imagine myself being born in one of those families. So much of responsibility at such a young age, at a time when she should be playing in the schools, she has to feed her young ones.
I had read this in text books, but never had I seen it for myself.
I had read this in text books, but never had I seen it for myself.
Wonder whether this will ever change. As I write this, something in me tells that it WILL.
I continue to be a die-hard optimist. I believe that our generation will not remain meek spectators like the previous one. We have the energy, don't we?
I continue to be a die-hard optimist. I believe that our generation will not remain meek spectators like the previous one. We have the energy, don't we?
