Posted on
Monday, 24 December 2012
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The word BRUTAL, HEINOUS,
HORRIFIC, INHUMAN… All of them will just remind every informed Indian about
that one tragic incidence that happened recently. The barbaric act is
unthinkable of, in a democratic society, also when it is the capital of the
country and is not even midnight. Ironically, all this happened in a city that
boasts of a 75000 strong police force. If one happens to check the statistics,
there are two molestations and one reported rape case everyday in the capital
city! Shocking, isn’t it? The incidence urges every Indian woman of ask herself
if she is safe anywhere and anytime. And the answer reinforces the fact – NO! The
relentless attack has not just shocked and shamed India, but has scarred every
household in true sense. There are approximately 19 crore households in India,
and I am sure, every mother, father or brother is scarred about her daughter or
sister. I witnessed it myself, when I went to watch T-20 to Wankhede Stadium
with a bunch of friends. My family (far away in Delhi) could not sleep till the
time I reached my hostel back safely. I even saw the wrinkle of worry on my
friend’s face when I reached back. It is this perennial fear, not just in the
mind of every woman, but in the minds of every family that we need to get rid
of. For how long are we going to live in a constant fear of being brutally,
savagely and mercilessly assaulted may be anytime, anywhere. The shocking news
of rape and assault have long being dominating the TV screens and the
newspapers. Ironically again in a country like India, which has a rich and
diverse cultural heritage of looking up at woman as a symbol of love,
sacrifice, courage and what not! What is the government, police and the
citizens doing? How are we compensating for the complete security and safety of
women? For how long are we going to live with grim reminders of such tragic
incidences? For how long are we going to cringe, as Indians, when outsiders
remind us of such incidences? Though all of us are disgusted and appalled at
such incidences, we need to question as to why is it happening, the loop-holes
in the system and what can we do to prevent it. It is only then that we can
claim that we live in a SAFE India. Each one of us needs to question
himself/herself.
I would want to salute the
protester’s spirit in Delhi. At least, they are doing their bit. It is high
time that the government should take up radical reforms and ensure justice to
make our lives safe and secure. Though capital punishment is legal in India,
since 1995 there have been only three people who have been hanged until death.
Isn’t it shocking in a country like India which is plagued with such a high
criminal rate? At least, the capital punishment would be a deterrent for such
criminals to commit such heinous crimes. Creating a separate dedicated court, setting
a minimum sentence and fine amount for non-rape offences, a minimum term even
after conviction, capital punishment for the heinous crimes would surely serve
as a deterrent for such crimes. Well, surely there would be a lot that the
government, the police and every individual should do, to make this place a
better and a secure place to stay. Till then I would just be waiting for the
day when I could move around anywhere and anytime without having to worry about
anything and when my family back home could relax, watch TV and have popcorn
till the time I came back home!
Posted on
Sunday, 11 November 2012
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The change has been gradual and eventual. But the fact remains that I have finally started liking the place I thought I would never like. A mumbaiite would never like Delhi and a Delhiite would never like Mumbai. It’s a very uncanny feeling that every mumbaiite and delhiite share. And if I believe it to be true, I turn out to be an exception.
It’s been 2 years and a half now that I am in Delhi, very much away from the city of my dreams, Bombay (Though its Mumbai, I somehow insist on still calling it Bombay). I landed in Delhi when it was the peak of winters, realizing that my very rich wardrobe dint have a single warm cloth! Of course if u have ever been in Bombay you would know why! Today I own many! Though I put up at Parliament Street, a posh and high-toned locality, I still could not get rid of the very infamous eve teasers. I have now to some extent learnt to turn a blind eye to them. Also, as luck would have it, fortuitously the ladies compartment was introduced in the Metro, the very month I came to Delhi, much to my delight. The quiet and the placid streets scared me. Coming from the crowded Bombay where the idea of personal space is just someone not standing on your toes. But today strolls around with the lush greenery and wide roads soothe me. Meeting Nitin (name changed for obvious reasons) reinstated the fact that how cocky and overly self-assertive delhiites can be, proving me correct on my opinionated views on delhiites, I met many in my span here who proved me wrong. Though the burning and the blistering summers of Delhi still annoy me to the hilt, I am saved from taking bath 2-3 times a day (that’s quite a deal considering the kind of lazy bum I am). The choking humidity and the jungle sweat Like Gregory David calls it, never stops in Bombay, forcing you to shower yourself with some water every time you come back home. There was a paradigm shift in my parents’ behavior as well. The parents who let their daughters travel by the locals alone even in the mid night hour, dint allow us to step out alone after 9 in the night. The reasons are obvious and well known. But considering the kind of home soul I am it doesn’t really affect me much. I have myself imbibed, to some extent, the showy and the ostentatious attitude of delhiites that used to once put me off, though it still does, if it’s over-done. Yes, I love to flaunt my blackberry, my Samsung tablet, my staying at Golf Links etc. etc. The once used to be size zero 'me' (the ever in thing in Bombay) has turned into a plump and chubby 'me' (the ever in thing in Delhi). I can now say that I have started to blend in the color of Delhi....
I love the swanky apartments I now live in, and the lush green gardens around. Staying in the central part of Delhi, I love my walks to The Lodhi Gardens, the beautiful and serene hotspot for morning walks. I love the view of India Gate, a prominent national monument, at least 2 times a day, on my way to office and on my way back. I am in absolute love with Lutyens' Delhi, from the impressive Rashtrapati Bhavan, on top of Raisina Hills, to CP to the zone extending up to Lodhi Road. I love Delhi for its historical importance. The Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb - All three being World heritage sites. Shopping to me now means going to Khan Market, the oldest and the costliest market of the country or to CP, the well and widely known two central circular strips of the city. I love the pedestrian shopping, be it anpath or Sarojini or Kamla Nagar. Being a connoisseur of food and having a longing to discover new joints, I love Delhi for the profuse, bounteous and nearly infinite such places to offer. When in Delhi, I would never miss an opportunity to the trade fair or the world book fair and other fairs held once a year. In fact, I eagerly wait for them to happen. I love Delhi for the marvelous and wonderful friends it has provided me with. The list would be endless I suppose.
Today, when the moment has come, that I need to leave Delhi and go back to Bombay, the mood is somber. Though not grief-stricken, but I can now rightly say that I am gonna miss my newly called HOME.
