Reflections

Sexual violence in India and its increasingly relevance to the public discourse, that is frankly a comparatively smaller problem in comparison to the major problem facing our society : that of Gender roles, and their redefinition in the changed world. The reality may even be that it is the percentage of reported rapes and sexual misdemeanour that are increasing. This, far from being a problem, is actually a welcome development, if that is indeed the case. It means that the stigma is receding, at it is being perceived as a plain and simple crime. This cannot be viewed in isolation, but has to be seen in the complete socio-cultural mileu, especially if we are to label an entire society. The major aspect that needs attention, in my opinion, is the concept of Gender Roles in Indian Society, and especially how the Man {including I Me Myself} views this. The Challenges and questions being posed to the Indian Family Unit due to this need answering. Further, we need to move away fro...

Someone participates in wanton rape and murder – gangrape at that; and then murders the helpless woman; mercilessly beating and torturing her, and committing unspeakable deeds – and the best our justice system can do is meet out  a punishment of 28 months for one of the most brutal culprits? Is this justice? Just because the most brutal animal of the lot is a few months short of 18, he is let off with a light sentence – a sentence that does a mockery of justice?In 3 years (a little less, actually) this person, this poor excuse for a human being will be let off to roam the streets again. What is the guarantee that this person will be reformed? Where is the guarantee that these 3 years will not harden his resolve to be more careful – and not be caught? 3 years later he will be roaming the streets again – having tasted blood once. 3 short years is what he pays for raping, torturing and killing a young lady in the prime of her life. The victim loses her honour as well as her life; ...

THE GENERATION THAT CHANGED INDIA The future is not as dark as it seems; the silver lining in this black cloud is getting stronger each moment The recent past has been very tumultuous for our India; the period since beginning of 2008, from the start of the stock market slide, has been unforgettable- with every week being witness to a new tragedy, a new scam, a new event and a new breaking story. This has been an unprecedented period in the history of our ancient civilization, and our young nation; one that has brought us to the brink of disaster, and has forced us to introspect deeply into what we have become as a nation, and what we want to build for ourselves. It has brought in its wake gut-wrenching change, and a deep sense of disquiet at what we have become as a nation. This recent past has forced us to look at our real selves in a mirror, and realize that the image is not a very healthy one. From politics to bureaucracy, from corruption to negligence – every facet of ...

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Photographer-gang-raped-in-old-Mahalaxmi-mill-in-Mumbai/articleshow/21987687.cms http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Photojournalist-gangraped-in-Mumbai-while-on-assignment/Article1-1111583.aspx http://www.firstpost.com/india/more-than-68000-rape-cases-from-2009-11-but-only-16000-convicted-611676.html For once, I am at a loss for words... a total loss for words! Yet another morning, and yet another rape... a simple google search threw up the shocking statistic 68000 rapes in our nation just 2 years. I am speechless, and shocked... And I dont buy that nonsense that is oft stated - "rape happens even in the developed world, and at a greater rate". I care 2 damned hoots for what happens elsewhere, and at what rate. We are not discussing GDP Growth figures, for heaven's sake... we are discussing the dignity and life of 68000 women in just 2 years... a statistic that should be enough to jolt even ...