Editor,
Crimes against women are a deep and sad reality in our society. These incidents show to what extent our morality and sensitivities have fallen. A trainee doctor from Kolkata, who was dedicated to saving countless lives in the future, was brutally murdered. This incident is not just a crime, but a sad picture of the moral decline of our society.
Women are the pivot of society and have given life to society for centuries. Today deep question marks have been raised on our thinking towards them. What kind of society are we living in, where women are treated so brutally? The death of a doctor, who is committed to taking care of patients and giving them life every day, is a stigma on our society.
This incident forces us to think about the loss of morality and sensitivity in our society. Have we become so insensitive that we cannot even feel the pain of a human being? Such despicable treatment of women is not just a matter of one person or one incident, but it also exposes the state of our collective thinking and values.
The increasing figures of crimes against women are proof that there are serious flaws somewhere in our justice system. The law exists, but the lack of enforcement encourages criminals. In this case also, if the accused had been caught on time and given severe punishment, perhaps such incidents would not have happened. But delay in the process of justice only makes the criminals fearless.
It seems that our governments and millions of their workers have all become insensitive. No one has respect for justice, truth and humanity! It is the collective lack of empathy towards victims of rape which results in women having to wait a long time to get justice. During this time, their mental and physical struggle becomes even deeper. Everyone needs to look inward so that the culprits can be punished as soon as possible and the victims can get justice.
The need of the hour is to make strict laws to deal with crimes against women and implement them effectively. Strict laws do not only mean provision of stringent punishment, but also ensure that these laws are followed at every level. It is necessary to remove the weaknesses of the judicial process so that fear of law remains in the minds of criminals and they think before committing heinous crimes.
It is not only the responsibility of the government and police, but also the responsibility of the society to ensure the safety of women. We have to change our thinking and adopt a respectful attitude towards women. Change has to be brought in the society through education and awareness.
Society must follow a set of values. Crimes cannot be stopped by laws alone; we also have to understand the importance of morality and values. To give the right direction to today’s generation, there is a need for values and moral education. Parents, teachers, and leaders of society should ensure that children are taught right from wrong. Here the role of mothers to impart the right values to their sons is integral. The duty of a mother is not only to give birth to her son but also to make him a human being who deserves respect and dignity in the society. The crimes taking place in today’s society highlight the lack of values in our society. Mothers have to teach their sons how important it is to respect women.
This painful incident has forced us to think about how unsafe women are in our society. We need to pay attention to this and create a society where women can feel safe and respected. We have to stand united against this barbarity and fight for justice.
Today we have to sensitise our society and reinforce moral values. We have to unite for the safety of our daughters, sisters and mothers. Every person in the society has to understand that women’s safety is not only a matter of law, but it is the responsibility of every person.
Yours etc.,
Pushpa Bajaj,
President,
Shubham Charitable
Association,Shillong
Women’s empowerment – fact or fiction?
Editor,
Women’s empowerment is a term that resonates with hope, progress, and the promise of a better future for women in India. Over the years, significant strides have been made in promoting gender equality, encouraging female education, and increasing women’s participation in the workforce. Laws such as the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act have been enacted to protect women and ensure their rights are upheld. However, these legal frameworks often stand in stark contrast to the harsh realities many women face daily.
The recent rape case at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital has sent shockwaves across the city and the nation, highlighting the disturbing reality of sexual violence even within supposed safe spaces. A place meant for healing and care became the scene of a horrific crime, raising serious questions about the safety of women in public institutions. The incident has sparked outrage, with calls for swift justice and stronger measures to protect women, not just within hospital premises but across all sectors of society. As details of the case unfold, it underscores the urgent need for both systemic reforms and a societal shift in addressing gender-based violence in India.
The brutal gang rape and murder of Nirbhaya in 2012 shocked the nation and the world, leading to widespread protests and calls for change. Yet, more than a decade later, incidents of molestation, harassment, and violence against women continue to be reported with alarming frequency. The question arises: How empowered are women if their safety is compromised at every step?
While some argue that stricter laws and harsher punishments are needed to deter criminals, others point to the failure of existing systems to protect women effectively. It is not enough to simply enact laws; they must be implemented with the utmost seriousness. There must be no tolerance for those who commit such heinous crimes, and the legal system should deliver swift and severe justice. We must ensure there is never another Nirbhaya case in India.
Moreover, those who focus on the dress code of women rather than their protection should be silenced. The discourse should shift from questioning women’s choices to ensuring their safety, dignity, and freedom. Empowerment cannot be achieved without addressing these fundamental issues head-on.
The role of the police and politics in rape cases in India is a complex and often controversial issue. On one hand, the police are tasked with ensuring justice for victims and maintaining law and order. However, their effectiveness is frequently called into question due to delays in investigations, mishandling of evidence, and accusations of bias or corruption. In many cases, political influence exacerbates these issues, with powerful individuals or groups sometimes using their clout to shield perpetrators or suppress cases. This intersection of law enforcement and politics often hinders justice, leaving victims and their families fighting prolonged battles. The need for a transparent, accountable, and depoliticized approach to handling rape cases has never been more urgent in India.
Women’s empowerment in India is a multifaceted struggle that goes beyond legislation. It demands a collective effort from all sectors of society to protect and uplift women, ensuring that empowerment is not just a promise but a lived reality. The horrific incidents at Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital and the enduring legacy of cases like Nirbhaya’s underscore the need for more than just laws on paper. True empowerment cannot be realized until every woman feels safe in every corner of society, free from the fear of violence and harassment.
Yours etc,
Kalparaj Chakraborty,
Tura, West Garo Hills