Editor
A population of more than 1.3 billion India takes pride in its rich and cultural heritage. Heritage of? Well, the heritage of Goddesses, respect for elders, the united celebration of festivals and respecting each others’ lives. But few incidents rip apart these proud moments of India where we find old age homes, incidents of rape and sexual molestation, child abuses and so on.
There have been many cases of rape and sexual molestation. Debates on the code of dress for women and their behavioral patterns have been more discussed than on the prevention and maintenance measures to be undertaken by organizations and individuals. Protest rallies are rampant on the streets with play cards and candles (increasing the commercial benefits of the candle sellers…pun intended). The result is a huge gathering, use of candles and some slogans but any major upshot is far expected. Why can’t the protests bring any substantial change? (Except in Headlines). To answer this first let us understand why the protests fail.
The recent incident of the 4-year-old girl in a reputed school was a head-turner for everyone and the roads were swarming with people protesting against the school and asking for strict punishment for the culprits. The courtroom was set-up at every corner of the streets discussing possible punishments and the negligence on the part of the school authorities. Fair enough! But how far can we go to abolish this insecurity of the parents to get their wards admitted to schools and reputed schools? Recently while I received a call from a concerned mother of a girl child, she was in anguish, disgusted and was on her toes to do anything but stop these practices but then she was also clueless as to what can be done and should be done.
But before I pen down more lines of resentment and abhorrence, let me cite the circumstances I faced while arranging a peaceful meeting to discuss the solutions on prevention of these incidents. I asked most of my allies to be a part of the mission they all had their share of excuses for not attending the cause. The reason is later told by an experienced lady that since the school is highly reputed and powerful and that drives the nerves out of the common man. That was alright with me but when I see the same people removing display picture on their WhatsApp and changing the Facebook profile picture to a candle I feel the misfortune of the society because these will be the same sect of people celebrating Netaji’s and Swamiji’s birthdays and talking about their integrity and fearless propositions in life. The reason for this may be that no more Tagore’s song ‘Jodi tor daak shune keo na ashe tobe ekla cholo re…’ appeal or inspire people anymore. This is the era of ‘friends for benefit’ and the wait begins for another ‘Second Coming’ in this period.
While we do criticize these people, there is another section always up for the right and fearless though directionless. The society presently stands divided on the issue of the 4-year-old sexual harassment case in Kolkata. Divided? Sounds strange but Yes divided into two opinions – one where people are demanding for Justice and on the other hand where people are asking for reopening the schools. Politics has clutched the issue of self-interested mass. Moreover, the power management of the school is successful in manipulating the case ignoring the real trauma and situation of the 4-year-old nursery student. Shameful indeed!
What can be avoided to make the core agenda of such gatherings successful?
Avoid media trial and let only truth rule. Do not entertain photographs to be publicly posted as the culprits will get their due punishment but their family will unnecessarily suffer. Don’t just shout but scream the rightful thing; be peaceful and make valid points. Like the gatherings, in this case, it is just a crowd and not a useful advocacy group. Things that should be stressed to prevent such cases in the future are strong legislation in maintaining security and standards in schools and that should come from government enforcement. Installing CCTVs, assessing the moral values of the teachers and staff of the school and maintaining the feedback system from the students monthly.
A Proper law should be enforced by the boards of the states checking the perverted crimes. Unity in advocating laws should be a focus. Defaming school is not the solution and denying responsibility on the part of the schools will leave parents and students feel insecure. It is time to create a better space for everyone. Let us come together for a cause and not politics.
(India’s Daughter is a documentary made by Leslee Udin based on the gang-rape case on Jyoti Singh popularly known as Nirbhaya.)
