Trending:
Raksha Bandhan 2024: Are We Fulfilling the Spirit of 'Raksha Bandhan' Amidst Rising Violence Against Women?
Raksha Bandhan is one of the most cherished Indian festivals, that celebrates the enduring bond of protection between brothers and sisters. Traditionally, the sister ties a rakhi-a sacred thread around her brother's wrist, and in return, the brother vows to protect her for life. But as we prepare to celebrate this festival, a stark and horrifying reality forces us to question the very essence of this promise: Are We Able to Protect Girls and Women in Today's Society?
The recent brutal rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at the RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata has shaken the nation to its core. It’s a grim reminder that the promise of protection is far from being fulfilled. The victim, who was merely doing her job, was assaulted in the very institution where she was supposed to be safe. Her bloodied body, found in a seminar hall where she had gone to rest during a long shift, is a chilling proof to the vulnerability that women continue to face, even in places they should consider secure.
This heinous crime has sparked nationwide protests, particularly among the medical community, drawing comparisons to the infamous 2012 Delhi gang-rape case. The echoes of that past horror are all too familiar, yet the cycle of violence continues unabated. Despite promises of stricter laws, improved safety measures, and societal change, the grim reality is that women in India remain under constant threat.
The promise of protection that Raksha Bandhan represents feels empty when we see such terrible acts of violence. How can we, as a society, truly believe in the values of this festival when women aren't safe in their own homes, workplaces, or public spaces? The idea of a brother protecting his sister seems meaningless when our systems fail, society remains indifferent, and deep-seated sexism continues to put women in danger. However, not all men are the same. Many men actively stand against violence and work to ensure the safety and respect of women.
The tragedy in Kolkata, like many others, isn't just about weak law enforcement or security; it's a failure of our entire society. It highlights the deep-rooted problems in our country—patriarchy, gender inequality, and a culture where crimes against women often go unpunished. The fact that such violence keeps happening shows that our society is breaking down, and no amount of traditional promises can fix it.
The peaceful protests happening across the country in response to this tragedy remind us that real change is urgently needed. But peaceful protests alone can’t break down the systems that allow violence against women to continue. We need a collective awakening—a shift in society that goes beyond symbolic acts. We must move from empty promises to real accountability and protection.
_d09856d6005e66b7fba6e0ad9b4eafdd_1280X720.webp)
As we celebrate Raksha Bandhan this year, let’s not just tie rakhis and make promises. Let’s think about what true protection means in a society where such terrible crimes still happen. Protection shouldn’t be just a one-day promise but a lifelong commitment to creating a world where women are truly safe, respected, and valued.
NOTE: This article does not imply that all men are responsible for violence or that they all fail to uphold protective values. Many men actively stand against violence and work to ensure the safety and respect of women. This article focuses on addressing systemic issues and societal failures that need collective action and change.
- PTC PUNJABI
