Dear Delhi, I belong here. Please let me feel safe in my own home.
Speaking strictly from whatever little experience of life I have had, which is close to 25 years, there hasn't been a single moment of being alone and out in the streets and feeling safe. Never, at all.
When I was young, my mother taught me to always be cautious, never be alone, never go too far away from home while playing. And of course her concerns were valid as a mother and I hardly understood what could possibly go wrong.
I remember an incident from my school days. My hostel warden was yelling at the girls' basketball team for stepping out for a bit in our playing kit, which was fairly long shorts and t-shirts. I didn't quite understand what was the big deal after all. What could possibly go wrong, we were 15 of us! Who could harm us, and what was wrong with what we were wearing? It left me puzzled!
There were many instances in which I felt violated, by the way people looked at me, passed comments and thought it was okay to do so. I chose to ignore it too. After all, who wants unwanted attention and conversations.
And then Delhi happened, the city I "belonged" to, the city I called home. I would mostly travel alone, walk and take public transport. That's a normal day to day routine and one shouldn't have apprehensions in following it. Or so, I believed.
Every day! okay, almost every day some or the other incident would make me furious. Mostly on things like someone passing a comment or someone looking at me inappropriately. And when I say I mean most women, in cities, villages, small towns all alike.
I read horrific stories everyday in papers: rapes, honour killing, murders, molestation et al. Many a times had heated arguments with friends and acquaintances as to how all this HAS to change and raised questions like how can we imagine to continue living in a state where a girl doesn't have a right to move about at her will? Why was I being stared at if I was walking back home a little late? For that matter even in the day. Never finding a conclusive answer to any of my questions but always left outraged. But what could I possibly do about it?
A friend of mine once advised and I somewhere unwillingly agreed, "The cardinal rule to follow is to never get into a bus which has less than 15 people in it." Of course, there is no assurance that I was safe in presence of those 15. Another senior said, "If you know it can never be fine, then just don't be out at such wee hours." Reluctantly so, but again I agreed a little.
But as always my questions went unanswered, my voice went unheard. Why can't I be safe in the state I call home? Why does a motorbike or car full of men has to cross me slowing down every day? Who has given the men the right to make women live in fear all the time? Why isn't it okay if I want to leave my house at an hour I wish to? Why am I left feeling outraged and violated?
A few days ago, I remember reading an article which said, "Every woman has experienced that moment where she feels, this is it, it's going to happen now." And it's true. I have and I know at least 50 others who have faced that fearsome moment.
Fortunately for some it was just a moment that passed. But unfortunately for some, their worst fear became a reality and they live with scars all their lives. And some don't even survive it, they succumb to these demons. Demons that have ruined the society, evils that have left us with shrill shivers. Incidents that leave us questioning the existence of some. Pain that goes unheard and unexplained for most.
We all live in this fear consciously or subconsciously. We have become used to reading and hearing about such incidents, but have we lost hope? Do we not want a safer place to live in? Why do we have to live in a society where people are so depraved? Why can't we be a part of a world which is more humane?
I feel sorry, I feel ashamed, I feel helpless! I live in hope that this will change. I die in fear they never may.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Rahul Dravid, it's not over yet, you know that
To begin with, Rahul Sharad Dravid, thank you ever so much for all the memories. When on 9th March 2012 you said, it's time for you to move on, I just thought to myself, will we - the fans - ever move on? But, like all good things, his international and first class cricket innings too has come to an end.
I was way too young to be even a little part of anything he was, but I dreamt to a part of a little something he did. And as luck would have it, I got to be a part of his farewell. I have never seen or for that matter even thought of cricket without Rahul Dravid. He is my parallel to cricket, he got me glued to the game. He became my reason to watch, enjoy and love this game, and that obviously is not going to change. And his cricketing talent is not what makes him the man he is. He's way beyond just an excellent sportsman. Rahul epitomises dignity, perfection and humility.
All of 39, and he still was one of the fittest in the team. Some suggested that he should have retired after England tour, while some said he could have gone after one more Dravid-special-inning. But guess the man took the right call. Just like the rest of his career this too came as a dignified, well-thought decision. I remember feeling a little hollow inside when he announced his retirement from One day internationals (This was my attempt to express how I felt.)
Ever so charming Rahul even on the day of his retirement said he finds it difficult to say no. That is the kind of team man Rahul has always been. He always kept the team over everything even when he was asked to keep wickets, he did, strangely enough but I even remember that match in which he bowled and got a wicket as well.
It was hard not too get carried away while he read out his farewell speech. It's yet to hit me that Dravid won't be out there in the middle anymore, playing for India. But I guess it's for the good. Like I said when I heard the news of him probably announcing his retirement, thank god for simple joys. Thank god for a Rahul Dravid, thank god for his simplicity.
There is no scarcity of the praises and wonderful words that have been showered upon him. But this is not it, Dravid has a lot of cricket in him, hopefully cricketing world will have him around for a lot longer, as an expert, a mentor, a commentator, or maybe a writer, I am not sure what. I would wait to see for what lies ahead for the man who gave these glorious 16 years to the game with such grace and dignity. As one of the finest gentlemen of the gentleman's game calls it a day, it goes without saying he's going to be one of the most important chapters of the history of cricket.
The legend of Rahul Dravid is etched in memories of millions of fans and it's a place well-deserved. A friend of mine said, Rahul Dravid there won't be many like you, I disagree. Because, Rahul Dravid there won't anyone like you, ever.
I was way too young to be even a little part of anything he was, but I dreamt to a part of a little something he did. And as luck would have it, I got to be a part of his farewell. I have never seen or for that matter even thought of cricket without Rahul Dravid. He is my parallel to cricket, he got me glued to the game. He became my reason to watch, enjoy and love this game, and that obviously is not going to change. And his cricketing talent is not what makes him the man he is. He's way beyond just an excellent sportsman. Rahul epitomises dignity, perfection and humility.
All of 39, and he still was one of the fittest in the team. Some suggested that he should have retired after England tour, while some said he could have gone after one more Dravid-special-inning. But guess the man took the right call. Just like the rest of his career this too came as a dignified, well-thought decision. I remember feeling a little hollow inside when he announced his retirement from One day internationals (This was my attempt to express how I felt.)
Ever so charming Rahul even on the day of his retirement said he finds it difficult to say no. That is the kind of team man Rahul has always been. He always kept the team over everything even when he was asked to keep wickets, he did, strangely enough but I even remember that match in which he bowled and got a wicket as well.
It was hard not too get carried away while he read out his farewell speech. It's yet to hit me that Dravid won't be out there in the middle anymore, playing for India. But I guess it's for the good. Like I said when I heard the news of him probably announcing his retirement, thank god for simple joys. Thank god for a Rahul Dravid, thank god for his simplicity.
There is no scarcity of the praises and wonderful words that have been showered upon him. But this is not it, Dravid has a lot of cricket in him, hopefully cricketing world will have him around for a lot longer, as an expert, a mentor, a commentator, or maybe a writer, I am not sure what. I would wait to see for what lies ahead for the man who gave these glorious 16 years to the game with such grace and dignity. As one of the finest gentlemen of the gentleman's game calls it a day, it goes without saying he's going to be one of the most important chapters of the history of cricket.
The legend of Rahul Dravid is etched in memories of millions of fans and it's a place well-deserved. A friend of mine said, Rahul Dravid there won't be many like you, I disagree. Because, Rahul Dravid there won't anyone like you, ever.
How I was looking for Rahul, and found Akhilesh
When Rahul Gandhi first appeared on India's political scene, he was projected as the new-age neta, the politician that we never had. There was and there still is a constant buzz as to how this 'youth' leader will change the way politics is perceived in our country. I was looking for a politician who made me be believe that politics isn't something that one needs to run away from.
But somehow, and I speak for myself alone, Rahul failed to translate this projection into reality.
Past few days we have seen many lengthy articles and analyses on the two big 'sons' of Indian politics. With all kind of similarities and differences that Rahul and Akhilesh possess. Truth is, and I must admit it, that until this election I had very little knowledge as to who is Akhilesh Yadav. I knew he is Mulayam Singh Yadav's son, sadly, that was the only "identity" he had in my mind.
It's a shame, I admit, specially after studying politics for 5 years (almost!).
The point I am trying to make is that Rahul Gandhi was looked upon as someone who will prove himself to be a mass leader, or as some believe a 'youth' leader. He was supposed to be a magnetic force that was drawing crowds, because he was one of them. But there was a little something that was missing.
The fact that we had been looking for a reason to call him a mass leader is self-explanatory. A leader shines, he is visible in a crowd, he is heard in a noise. And Rahul unfortunately, despite being all that, just lacked that one quality. Difficult to point out what but he failed to have a lasting impact. The kind of impact that probably Omar Abdullah had when he made that speech in Parliament in 2008 during his trust vote. Or the kind of 'let-the-work-do-the-talking' attitude that Sachin Pilot has. And it would be unfair to compare Rahul with anyone else but his contemporaries.
Akhilesh, on the other hand, inspite of being invisible on the national political sphere, comes across sorted. He seemed focussed, he had a plan and followed it too. And the result is out in front of all of us.
While addressing the press, he had short, crisp yet all apt answers to give. Without any use of big political words, without sounding too excited, he calmly answered all the media questions and exclamations. He even played his party's victory down, Akhilesh said, "Earlier we were losing and others were celebrating. Now we are winning and others are not. This is how politics is." He had a certain Dhoni-like demeanour. He smiled, spoke his mind, and made his point without having to shout from the rooftops.
Persona of a leader, a sorted mind, a casual yet dignified response to a resounding victory.
Many have been saying that Akhilesh is responsible for bringing Samajwadi Party back on the political map. True, as it appears to be, but this is just the first step. What lies ahead is the real test. Will Akhilesh be able to sustain the air he has created? Will he be able to prove himself in practicality?
Because, after all, politics is a lot more than just a promising speech and a politician has to be a lot more than just an articulate speaker. Both Rahul and Akhilesh have made promising speeches but time remains litmus to what lies ahead in their political careers. For now, Akhilesh seems to be a little ahead of Rahul. But one election cannot determine what a politician's career is going to be.
We are yet to see if Akhilesh will be able to translate his dignity in India's sphere of politics. Because in politics, campaigning and really doing the work are two very different ball games.
But somehow, and I speak for myself alone, Rahul failed to translate this projection into reality.
Past few days we have seen many lengthy articles and analyses on the two big 'sons' of Indian politics. With all kind of similarities and differences that Rahul and Akhilesh possess. Truth is, and I must admit it, that until this election I had very little knowledge as to who is Akhilesh Yadav. I knew he is Mulayam Singh Yadav's son, sadly, that was the only "identity" he had in my mind.
It's a shame, I admit, specially after studying politics for 5 years (almost!).
The point I am trying to make is that Rahul Gandhi was looked upon as someone who will prove himself to be a mass leader, or as some believe a 'youth' leader. He was supposed to be a magnetic force that was drawing crowds, because he was one of them. But there was a little something that was missing.
The fact that we had been looking for a reason to call him a mass leader is self-explanatory. A leader shines, he is visible in a crowd, he is heard in a noise. And Rahul unfortunately, despite being all that, just lacked that one quality. Difficult to point out what but he failed to have a lasting impact. The kind of impact that probably Omar Abdullah had when he made that speech in Parliament in 2008 during his trust vote. Or the kind of 'let-the-work-do-the-talking' attitude that Sachin Pilot has. And it would be unfair to compare Rahul with anyone else but his contemporaries.
Akhilesh, on the other hand, inspite of being invisible on the national political sphere, comes across sorted. He seemed focussed, he had a plan and followed it too. And the result is out in front of all of us.
While addressing the press, he had short, crisp yet all apt answers to give. Without any use of big political words, without sounding too excited, he calmly answered all the media questions and exclamations. He even played his party's victory down, Akhilesh said, "Earlier we were losing and others were celebrating. Now we are winning and others are not. This is how politics is." He had a certain Dhoni-like demeanour. He smiled, spoke his mind, and made his point without having to shout from the rooftops.
Persona of a leader, a sorted mind, a casual yet dignified response to a resounding victory.
Many have been saying that Akhilesh is responsible for bringing Samajwadi Party back on the political map. True, as it appears to be, but this is just the first step. What lies ahead is the real test. Will Akhilesh be able to sustain the air he has created? Will he be able to prove himself in practicality?
Because, after all, politics is a lot more than just a promising speech and a politician has to be a lot more than just an articulate speaker. Both Rahul and Akhilesh have made promising speeches but time remains litmus to what lies ahead in their political careers. For now, Akhilesh seems to be a little ahead of Rahul. But one election cannot determine what a politician's career is going to be.
We are yet to see if Akhilesh will be able to translate his dignity in India's sphere of politics. Because in politics, campaigning and really doing the work are two very different ball games.
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