People are streaming in. The Kumbh mela is just around
the corner. Delhi is still burning with the question of what will it do to the
six rapists. Opinions are divided – should we hang them? Or should we find some
other way to punish them? Should we use chemical castration? Time is passing by
speedily. India stands still, in the
midst of a severe cold wave sweeping over north India and other parts of the
country. This wind is chilling metaphorically too; it has frozen the hearts of
many across the globe. Yes, the capitol of the country can ill afford to show
its face to the world and it needs to now hang its head in shame.
75 million people visit China yearly; only 5 million visit India during the
winter seasons from other countries. Incredible India, the Government’s Travel
wing, travels abroad yearly and sells India as a destination for travel, what
with the beach, the mountains, the spiritual/mystical side of India, marketable
to the gullible and the ill informed, as of now.
Why not? Only on the 31st night, traveling on
Tamilnad Express from Chennai to New Delhi, a Canadian woman, sleeping on the
top berth, on the side, was woken up with a rude shock. A man, drunk inside the
train, where neither alcohol nor smoking is allowed, had grabbed her private
part and was rubbing her, as she slept. She woke up with a start and yelled
STOP IT, where upon he disappeared into the toilet or some such place.
Passengers and her Canadian companions asked the ticket collector to act; bring
in the complaint book, but he refused to do either, asking them to go back to
their berths!
This is not unnatural in India. The country touted to be
spiritual is hardly one. It might be religious and bigoted, it is certainly not
spiritual. Tens of thousands of people will descend on the Kumbh Mela in
Allahabad, which is now a multi-dollar Event and think they are coming to a
country known for its spirituality.
Indeed, India is a palace of illusions! One can be deluded and lose one’s way
here, forever!
Renowned writer and poet Abha Iyengar, states in her
Facebook profile: “I remember many years ago when I visited Germany and
experienced the freedom of being able to lie on the grass, a young woman alone
with herself and nature and of course, other scattered foreigners also
embracing the sun's winter warmth, how free and delightful it felt. The point
is, I was alone and a woman and young and a foreigner and I could lie in the
sun on the grass without being stared at or accosted. As a woman in India I
have never experienced this freedom. I think even now were I to lie alone on the
grass in Lodhi gardens with a book , minding my own business, I would be stared
at or accosted. I know I would not be comfortable. When will we women in India
have this freedom to just be?”
The answer is never! Unless you wish to take things in
your hands!
If you are visiting India, remember, your safety is in
your hands! You may travel with your boyfriend, or a group of friends, or even
catch an Indian ‘chokda’- Boy guide – while in India, but the woman’s body is
not respected at all and do not be surprised if a man thinks and feels that
your body is his possession without your
permission. After all, he is a man! He is God! He can and will do anything
to you as a woman, and you are supposed to lie low and not scream.
Chemical castration cannot make a man impotent. Even a fool knows that! Sex and
power trips originate in the mind. How, is India going to castrate its century’s
old habit of trying to save the linga,
the penis in the head which extends like a canon between his legs? Especially,
when women too have been worshiping it?
Therefore, if you are visiting India, do so at your own risk. Also, have no
illusions about how long the hideous organ may be (not an orgasmic joy for
sure, this one), how much it can take you for granted and how unsafe you can be
in a country, better known for arm-chair thinking and lack of will to act. A
million reasons may be cited for inaction, lack of implementation, thinking
things over, etc., etc, even if it be over someone’s dead body! Even yours!
Take care! Ensure your own safety! Take charge!
Delhi women only cab: 91 931 384
4015
Police
across India: Dial 100
Also
read: Much ado about six inches stick of muscle:
