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Indian Women and their Leaders



Mythologies of various civilisations present tales of kingdoms that became sterile because of the wickedness of their kings.  Kings or Political Leaders play a vital role in moulding the moral values and principles of their citizens.  No nation can be greater than its leader. Look at what some of our leaders have said about women.  You will then understand why women in India can never feel safe, why crimes against them are sure to rise. 




Babulal Gaur is an 85 year-old BJP minister in Madhya Pradesh. Age has not made him wise in any way.  When can rape ever be right?  The people who voted for him deserve an answer.  Do ask. On this Women's Day.




The Home Minister of Chhattisgarh, BJP's Ramsewak Paikra, thinks that rapes are accidental rather than intentional.  How many mistakes is he willing to tolerate or condone?  Do ask. On this Women's Day.



Here is a solution from Haryana, a state where women are treated like goods and chattels.  When it suits these people they don't hesitate to seek examples even from the Mughals.  The question, however, is who are the contemporary Mughals?  Do ask. On this Women's Day. 




That's a classical argument once again from the Party that upholds India's culture and civilisation.  What is morality, Mr BJP?  Is it wearing the burka as O P Chautala might suggest drawing expedient inspiration from the Mughal era?  Raping women who wear the dress of their choice and convenience is not immoral for this leader.  How many more Women's Days are required to kick such leaders out of the power given to them by the people?


It's not only politicians but also our religious gurus, the custodians of our spirituality (let alone morality), who put the blame for rapes on the victims.  Is he any better than Mukesh Rapist who is also in the prison?  Do we need such gurus?  Do ask.  On this Women's Day.




The ultimate paradox of BJP.  The RSS chief is asking us to return to the villages when his political party in the persona of Mr Narendra Modi is asking us to give away our rural lands free to his cronies so that cities and industries can be developed.  Will these leaders come to an agreement on this, please?  Do answer.  On this Women's Day. 



The founder of ISKCON, an organisation that has more wealth in non-Hindu countries than in India, viewed rape as the gratification of a sense of itching that women too feel just like men. "After all, sex - rape or no rape - they will feel some pleasure," said the Godman.  Do you say Amen to that?  If not, question.  On this Women's Day.  And on any day. 

Can we stop glorifying people of this sort and follow our own rational faculties?  Can we abandon these leaders and their gods and godmen?  Our future will depend on our answers to these questions.  At least the safety of our women will.  

 Acknowledgement: All images above are taken from http://www.scoopwhoop.com/inothernews/assholes-guide-talk-rape/?ref=social&type=fb&b=0

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Comments

  1. Online JournalistMarch 8, 2015 at 12:47 PM

    Great post.
    It is very difficult to change the mindset of many of our influential people.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalMarch 8, 2015 at 5:17 PM

      Is it easy to change the mindset of anyone at all?

      Delete
  2. Datta GhoshMarch 8, 2015 at 12:59 PM

    The clap thing that Asharam said was repeated by the rapist, About ISKON Its a corrupt place of utter hypocrisy....this is why I am spiritual but not religious.....These are the first reactions (in disgust)....My take cleanse society and its outlook towards women and people who are not similar to them

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalMarch 8, 2015 at 5:20 PM

      I too perceive myself as spiritual, Datta Ghosh. But I have no religion. I enter temples and churches and mosques with reverence but not superstitious beliefs. My reverence comes from the deep respect I have for others. If all religious people could cultivate a fraction of that sort of respect there would be no religious fundamentalism or terrorism.

      Delete
  3. Roohi BhatnagarMarch 8, 2015 at 1:21 PM

    Sick people..!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalMarch 8, 2015 at 5:21 PM

      Indeed, Roohi. I wish you said something more. You are one of those emancipated women I have come across, through blogs though.

      Delete
  4. AgnijaMarch 8, 2015 at 5:17 PM

    It is way past time for real and universal education in India. But just as crucial is who gets to sit on the board of education and what is being taught.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalMarch 8, 2015 at 5:27 PM

      Not the Board of Education, Agnija. The politicians. they decide nowadays everything from your abc to your god.

      Delete
  5. Pooja MahimkarMarch 8, 2015 at 6:30 PM

    It deeply angers me when I read such comments from people. sick really

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMarch 8, 2015 at 10:43 PM

    I wonder how such people become 'leader' and especially spiritual leaders in India. Sick peoples! We make them our leaders. So the problem lies in us. I hope you have also read about the recent comments of M L Sharma, the defence lawyer at 2012 Delhi Gang Rape Case on the same context. With leaders and lawyers like this the fate of women in the country can be understood. I feel it's like a farce when people talk so much about celebrating women's day in India.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalMarch 9, 2015 at 11:31 AM

      True, the problem lies with us. The solution too. Thankfully we live in a democracy.

      Delete
  7. D.NambiarMarch 9, 2015 at 4:35 PM

    Pleasure when raped?! Gosh, that's one of the most outrageous things I've ever heard.
    Would we be calling it rape then?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomichan MatheikalMarch 9, 2015 at 6:48 PM

      Very few people only can understand the utterances of these gurus.

      Delete
  8. UnknownMarch 13, 2015 at 11:49 AM

    Rape happens in Urban India only. Not in villages. That is so wrong. Someone please give them the statistics! Power in absolute wrong hands.
    Very well written Sir.

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownApril 2, 2015 at 1:15 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
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