Born To Succeed

"Men seldom do, for when women are the advisers, the lords of creation don't take the advice till they have persuaded themselves that it is just what they intended to do. Then they act upon it, and, if it succeeds, they give the weaker vessel half the credit of it. If it fails, they generously give her the whole"    

                                                                      - Louisa May Alcott

 For centuries now, women in India have been treated as the weaker sex. History has shown that in earlier times along with the ‘untouchables’ even were not allowed to communicate in Sanskrit as they were considered to be impure. Around the country were looked down upon and suppressed. During the early Roman society they were treated as chattel and were seen as the ‘half-soul creatures’ responsible for the destruction of society. Men, still believe, they belong to the superior-life of society and justify their belief by saying that they are stronger and more capable, making them fit for the important roles in society.

 Despite these conditions, women in India have shown immense capabilities in the field of politics, religion, education and literature. Women like Indira Gandhi have shown unique leadership qualities. Ranzia Sultan is the one of her sex to have ruled Delhi. Mirabai was one of the most important figures of the Bhakti Movement that tried to restore the status of  women in India. During the British Rule in India, Rani Lakshmi Bai led the Rebellion of 1857 and is now considered as a national hero. Sarojni Naidu became the first woman president of the Indian National Congress and the same to govern a state in India.

 Till date, women in India are still doubted. When Smriti Irani was handed over the responsibility of handling the Human Resource Department there were many, especially from the opposition party, that mocked the decision of the BJP. They argued that someone who has only studied till the 12 Grade was not educated and responsible enough to handle such a crucial department of the Government. However, her excellent oratory skills during the International ’s Conference 2014 changed the view of many.

 Though the country has advanced in leaps and bounds, there are still quite a few areas in India, where empowerment is largely lacking. For the progress of woman tp truly take place there needs to be an extreme change in the mind-set of the people of the country. Not only women, but the men as well.  Women need to be treated as equal and given enough opportunities to prove themselves responsible enough to take up important duties. It is important for this burning issue to be embraced before it is too late. Swami Vivekananda once said, “Arise away and stop not until the goal is reached”.

Anya Katre