Editor,
One wonders what makes good journalism? Is it to find a few brats and pat on their back all who all pose a threat to the nation? Unlike in any other country in the world, this is a glaring faultline in India. Is it journalistic propriety to applaud and make heroes of such treacherous youths who speak the language of terror and defend the activities of terrorists? Have we forgotten that terrorists have badly harmed our nation for ages by killing thousands of the innocent civilians? And are we all oddballs who think for the country and advocate for the integrity of the nation? Is defending one’s nation and speaking for its security and integrity a jingoism and fascism? The citizens are too confused and wary.
For instance, if your murderous neighbours attack your home, should not your all children stand up and shout on top of their voice for protection. Should not they, by all means, try to safeguard your dwelling premises and property? But, what will be the consequences and the family solidarity if a couple of your own “children” join the enemy camp and start cursing you and your own ancestors? Will you then say that your kids have become mature and liberal; that they are now exercising their “freedom of expression”? Well, going by the posture and modus operandi of certain top media, your estranged children are not just “normal” but they deserve praises for being hostile to you, your family and your kith and kin. As per the standpoint of the present-day media, in the name of freedom of expression, your children, if they feel so, can gleefully provoke your inhumane neighbours to throw a few stones at your mother (your children’s granny…). No exaggeration, this I have expressed what I have observed with my unbiased conscience because, till date, I’ve not been affected by the opium of ultra-intellectualism which has doped many of our unsuspecting youths.
Further, going through the news items, editorials and articles published in front-ranking newspapers and magazines fill our minds with a pall of despondency. It’s strange that the media is leaving no stone unturned to portray the seditious Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid, Shehla Rashid as innocent kids. But ones who fear these vicious wolves and scream against the looming shadow of subversive forces are branded as bigoted and chauvinistic “bhakts”.
So, now stand tall on the raised platform of your University and spit venom against the country. Put your bold foot forward to salute those who bombed Mumbai and Delhi. This all falls within your right to dissent and your coveted intellectual exercise. You need not fear anyone — Mr. Media will reach right your doorstep to praise your valour and hug you.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali
Shillong-2
Rape demands effective laws
Editor,
This refers to the thought-provoking article, “Rape a constant reality- Nothing has changed” (ST – March 2). In view of the increasing incidence of rapes it is absolutely necessary to review the rape law humanely and progressively as the existing law is not only partial but also outdated. The subject needs a comprehensive review and should include various types of assault, violence and torture, and with gender sensitivity. Indian women are far too vulnerable to violent assaults. Sexual violence in villages, though little reported, keeps girls and women indoors after dark. The pity is that to change attitudes to rape so many young women have had to suffer and die.
Women are routinely groped and harassed by men on buses and trains. The reason behind is the vulgar display by even top grade heroines in the form of ‘item numbers’ has become a must for any successful movie. All these add to the frustration where the age of sexual maturity does not match with the permissible age for marriage. A piece of fool-proof legislation is needed to safeguard innocent victims.
Rape is not something that occurs by itself. It is part of the continuing and embedded violence in society that targets women on a daily basis. Hastily made laws will serve no purpose. The government should reconsider the ordinance, giving more importance to the panel recommendations. It is rightly pointed out that “The law, if it is to be effective, must keep up with these changes; not try to force a regression to a time long past.” While Sections 375 and 376 of the Indian Penal Code are the major laws dealing with rape, they have failed to match the international standards of addressing the crime. A comprehensive psychological study of the mindset of rapists is the urgent need of the hour to get some real insight into the mindset of criminals. Girls are in constant fear of being attacked, raped, victimised by men throwing acid on their faces, and what not. It is important to conduct an imaginative and sustained publicity campaign in the media, especially in regional languages, in cinema theatres and so on. Any new law on rape should include the conduct of the defence lawyer and bar all unethical questions against the rape victim. Rather than punish a culprit after a crime, it is necessary to curb the cause of crime against women. We have enough laws but, unfortunately, they are not effective. What’s the purpose of any law that can only bark but not bite?
One would find that the scenario for women is grim indeed and this will continue so long as the basic social and economic structures remain unchanged and the implementing and law and order agencies show indifference. Public display of big hoardings only serves to excite the young minds. Laws alone cannot put an end to evils that are endemic in the social structure; the government can at least make some attempt to take its own enactments seriously.
Yours etc.,
Vinod C. Dixit
Ahmedabad- 15
