Societal Transformation
Dr Arvind Kumar
Surge of crowds of protesters dotting the roads leading to India Gate in New Delhi to mourn the tragic death of braveheart girl student who became a prey to gang-rape symbolizes societal awakening. This tragic incident has stirred up an impassioned debate about what the Indian society needs to do to prevent recurrence of such a tragedy. People from almost all walks of life called in one voice for stringent rape laws major police reforms and a transformation in the way the country treats its women. There have been demands for convening a special session of Parliament to pass new laws to increase punishments for rapists — including possible chemical castration — and to set up fast-track courts to deal with rape cases within 90 days. Whatever has happened is a sad commentary on lack of good governance.
Some commentators have compared the braveheart rape victim to Mohamed Bouazizi, the Tunisian street vendor whose self-immolation set off the Arab Spring. It is hoped that this tragedy could mark a turning point for transforming Indian society with particular emphasis on gender rights. Viewed in a broad spectrum, Indian society is deeply ingrained in conservativism, traditions and patriarchal system and its transformation will take a long haul. Undoubtedly, it will take long time, nevertheless a beginning can be said to have been made. The time has come to turn the tide on violence against women and dalits through good governance and strong hand of law.
