The Female Factor

This will represent lesser than 3% of the women masses. The participation of a mere group of elite women in the polity does not promise the success of democracy.

It is “The International Women’s Day” today to celebrate economic, political, and social achievements of women around the world. India too seems to be seriously concerned for something epochal this time. However, the government is struggling to have an all-party consensus to go further with the long awaited “Women’s Reservation Bill”.

Looking at the male dominated history, one of our great scriptures starts with the verse, which can be translated as

The primary duty of women is enjoined to be service one’s husband.

This view for the women has changed around the world, significantly in India over the ages. The status of women has been improving unprecedentedly. However, it is still dismal which is manifested by surveys’ statistics.

The success of 33% women reservation in Panchayat Raj Institutions and then in all local elected bodies, paved the way for the same in the Parliament and State Assemblies too. Though, this has been in demand since independence and for more than a decade as a bill. But, because of lack of political integrity, consensus and co-ordination it was stuck under files. Now when it seems to clear all the hurdles this time, there are so many problems, which should be taken care with the reservation.

In a democratic country like India, where women comprise of 48% (2001 consensus)-the development of the nation hinges on the women. Statistics say still 72% population lives in rural area, of which 49% are women. The authorities who are supposed to discourage the dowry system are involved in the de facto “Gift from Bride”. Girl child is considered a great responsibility (precisely ‘load’) to the family. In rural areas, people want to be load-free as soon as possible whereas the intellectual urban area people do not even bother to take the load at all.

“State of the World’s Children 2009” of UNICEF reports that 47% of Indian girls aged 20-24 were married before the legal age of 18, with 56% in rural areas. “World economic forum 2009 Report” puts India in the Global Gender Disparity at 114 out of 134 countries. It also alarms with the worsening sex ratio in 0-6 age group.

The urban women are advancing at par with the men because of the facilities available and the evolved mindset of the people. However, the status of rural women seems to have no significant improvement. They do not get the basic facilities for education. Even the so called “literacy rate” of women in rural areas is much disappointing. A woman is not socially independent to use the present 33% reservation in the local bodies, which is enjoyed by her husband on her name.

It is only the iceberg of the problems, Indian women have. In these circumstances, if reservation without working for the their upliftment is given, this will represent lesser than 3% of the women masses. The participation of a mere group of elite women in the polity does not promise the success of democracy. Proper planning in infrastructure, education, health and security are some of the most needed elements, which can improve the status of women in India and can bring happiness to them to participate in the nation development.

Another Holiday?

We cannot approach the vision to be a developed nation until people from every corner, society and status are able to share the progress of the nation.

India is celebrating its 60 years of being republic from the British dominion. Our ancestors’ struggle, sacrifice and prudence paved the path to the modern India. One may have so many questions, which are mostly unanswered. Are we successful to achieve the nation of their dreams?

Is this kind of celebration provides opportunity to ponder the prevailing problems and analyze our achievements or just an occasion to have a feeling of being in a democratic country where we are free spirits to do whatever we like? For people like us isn’t it another holiday to play a match with friends or to go for a movie with your girlfriend?

For a country like India, with so much diversity-languages, religion, caste, sub-caste, ethnicity, color, economic status; our constitution was the biggest achievement so far for us. It is the supreme law of the nation setting a benchmark for the fundamental political principle, powers and duties of the government and fundamental rights, directive principles and duties of the citizens. Everything is so prudently framed and eclectically compiled that it guaranteed the future of India. Timely amendments made the constitution more suitable and stronger for the new age.

During these 60 years, our progress is unprecedented. We are no more a country of Max Muller of snacks and jungles; Indian mind is now accepted and respected everywhere. We can be proud of being with every kind of people in our country. One side we have world famous Businessmen, scientists, technocrats, engineers, doctors, and on the other side hungry people, slum dwellers, child labors, exploited people, are there (diversity??). The nation’s progress can be seen in the urban lives only and the rural life is still untouched. We have corruption at each and every level, sometimes I wonder is the nation being run or sab kuch bhagwan bharose chal raha hai?

We cannot approach the developed nation vision until people from every corner, society and status are able to share the progress of the nation. Still we have miles to go; our progress should not be on others’ but with the aspirations of all the people together. This Republic Day provides the opportunity to have a thought to make a difference. So what did you do today other than playing a game or watching a movie?

We, The Idiots

Certainly our education system requires serious thoughts by our great educationists and policy makers. Until then, we are compelled to be proud of being 'Idiots'.

"Don't worry, just say Aal izz Well," everybody is saying the language of '3 Idiots'. I was trying to figure out, why we are happy to call ourselves 'Idiot'? What's there in the movie that deserves a record-breaking response specially from the youth.

I found myself revolving around some factors: Is it because it has enjoyment-friendship-love, everything we want to see in a movie? Is it because it is based on a novel written by an IITian? or Is it because we see ourselves in the characters of the movie, struggling with the education system?

Certainly our education system requires improvement. Being from the same engineering background; I can say most of us are like 'Raju', who are studying to get a job. There are many 'Farhans', who are stuck in different worlds because of their parents. A mechanical or civil engineer doing a job in IT or BPO with the guys from non-technical, non-science background, is surely an indication of 'Under Employment' which is quite similar to unemployment. You can easily say on what factor our progress depends- 'well trained' or 'well educated'?

We all are trying to become 'Silencer' to compete and survive in the draconian world. The 'Rancho' inside us is unexplored, may be because it is not necessary or may be because we think so. It's not only engineering but every level of education in India lacks inclusiveness.

Obviously, It is not possible for everyone of us to become 'Rancho', who was extra brilliant to top the batch despite of all the enjoyment with his friends and loving his girlfriend in director's home. But, certainly our education system requires serious thoughts by our great educationists and policy makers. Until then, we are compelled to be proud of being 'Idiots'.