While the people of our country earnestly pray to many Goddesses like Saraswati, Durga , Mahalakshmi , Kali, Vaishno Devi , and the numerous local Ammans of South India to name a few ; the state of women in our country is still deplorable. The surveys and studies show much less parity than it actually exists. If we look at the Urban Middle Class and Upper Class picture there may be a minuscule improvement in the status but once we tread into the realms of Lower Middle Class and poverty stricken communities in both Urban and rural scenario ; we see the allegory unraveling into a ragged loincloth.
It isn’t remarkable when an Ambani inherits his father’s fortune and fights with his kin for his share. It is not remarkable either when ministers jump loops while the serfs are demanded weld grad. It is truly remarkable when a Jhaduvali ( one who brooms the buildings/ offices ) toils hard and chisels out an extraordinary future for her children, who in turn gave her the emotional support she needed and excelled in what they did ; for I have had the fortune of meeting one such woman and to date her smile , reminds me of how life is all about having someone to validate your efforts and tap you in the right direction whenever you go astray.
The judiciary has made considerable amendments to the laws protecting the rights of women while the legislature limps behind like a lost puppy. The recent Supreme court’s validation of Live-in relationships as on par with married alliance, has sparked new hope in the kilns , devoid of coal since ages. Women are now chronicling a viaduct between the times when films showed flowers during sexual abuse scenes/love-making scenes , and the age when the actual act can be shown if done artistically. People apparently find it hard to believe that we grew to 1 billion by cross pollination.