A few days back when the whole issue crept up with the
Government’s ban on the BBC documentary, India’s Daughter – The Story of Jyoti
Singh, I did have a thought that it was a right decision since this could be
one of those chances where the western world portrays India has a land of
miseries while we are on the verge of becoming an economic super power. But
today 8th March, after watching the Documentary myself, I believe that
this is one thing that should be made a compulsory watch for all Indians here
and abroad. The film is genuine in its intent to bring out the reason behind
this heinous crime which shook the world. It doesn’t take a stand or pass
opinions but rather airs two set of contrasting views. One from the victim and
another from the convict, one from the defence lawyers and another from the
civic society. The judgement is left open for the viewer to make.
As much as I felt angry about the cruelty involved with such
an inhuman act, I was also made to realise that a death sentence to the
offenders is in no way going to solve this problem of rape which runs so deep
in to our society. This incident is not just about the crime against women but
several other ills that India faces - gender inequality, female infanticide,
urban rural divide, social classes, income inequality, slums, impact of the surroundings
and brought up on the psychology of a juvenile. The documentary brilliantly
showcases not just what is wrong with India but also the brighter side of what
makes us different. The anger with which the young people took to the streets
to bring justice to a slain soul and fought a battle like it was their own. I
adore the intention of the parents who unlike most other Indian households
spent all their money in educating their daughter and letting her be what she
wanted to. It is sad that they have to go through all this. The pain and sorrow
in their eyes and voices will shake even the hardest of men.
We would need to create a society where all parents start
treating their daughters with equal importance and liberties as their sons like
that of Jyothi’s. The change should not happen in prisons and court rooms but
in every single home and school, both rich and poor. It needn’t be through laws
but through education. When a girl cooks, it’s a duty and when a guy does, it’s
a hobby. What non sense! It is such
simple things that cascade to far more bigger evils when look at as a whole. The
mindset is the devil. And this needs to change today. Watching this documentary
could be a good start.
Looking forward to a day when, “Behind every successful
woman, there is a man” becomes a common saying than the other way around.
