Feminism in India

India has been witnessing feminism movements since the early days. The ban of the Sati system, child marriage, and various political issues like the Involvement of Women in the Quit India movement are some of the examples. The 1917 movement by Sarojini Naidu, for the right to vote to drive the constitution of a committee consisting of 14 women across India was a big milestone in Indian feminism history. From Savitribai Phule to Ishmat Chugtai, outspoken feminists have been living in India for decades. 

If we go back to the ages of Vedas, Draupadi remodeled the notion of monogamy and sati; Sita of motherhood and power; Kali of violence; Puru’s young wife of sexuality; and the bhakta women of marriage and prayers.

The fact that India is one of the 36 countries of the world, where marital rape is legal unless the girl is minor boldly displays how women are oppressed openly in our patriarchal society. Inequality based on gender differences resulted in the difference in female literacy rates being lower at 65.46% than males at 82.14%. Well, it does not end here only. Every day newspapers are filled with the death and suicide of women and also with the death of female foeticide. Women are subjected to acid attack, child marriage, domestic violence, honor killings, abortion, sexual harassment, rape, trafficking is indicative of why India is declared as the most unsafe country for women by Thomson Reuter’s Foundation. In a developing country like India, only 14.5% of women are in Parliament and the maternal mortality being 174/10,000 is not given much attention. The gender pay gap is thought to be normal, we find it everywhere, and we feel this is how it should be.

This indiscrimination particularly alarms women across the country to raise their voices. When women stood strong against these, it was called feminism. It is an act of gaining equivalent opportunities and rights for women over the country. The participation of women in social and political life, their upliftment and empowerment along with dissolving heterogeneity of the society and identification of rights, which have been ignored for a long, was considered as the basic agenda.

Feminism aims at breaking the strong stereotyping in the capabilities and responsibilities of men and women, males are thought of to be more productive and therefore are more educated. Moreover, it is associated with self- reflection, understanding of values, and realization of self-worth. Exploring the roles, and abounding some of the stereotypes, many bring an intellectual trip for women across the country. The #MeToo movement in India, empowered many women, both from India and outside, to expose the men who sexually exploited, harassed, or assaulted other women.

A woman who is distressed by methodical social abuse because of their sex or caste, which is not granted to act willingly, who has been facing oppression while immigrating in jobs or businesses should be subjected to social, moral, economical, cultural, marital as well as individual consciousness for the awareness of their power and identity.

REMEMBER: FEMINISM IS NOT AN ANTI-MEN MOVEMENT

Udaaan aasma tak. Love everyone around!

I always had a soft corner for children, since 2011 when I read an old local newspaper “HINDUSTAN”, which dedicated 2 of its pages to the life of orphan children. On Diwali eve, I got to learn this side of orphanages for the first time. 44 children (19 boys and 25girls) were moved to a different place after the shocking revelation of the pregnancy of a 13 years old girl in Vidyavati Ashram and the orphanage was sealed by The Women and Child welfare committee. There must be more reports like this, I wondered and wished if I could ever help any of the children.

5 years later, when I was about to forget my resolution, suddenly, I met 3 crazy girls, Priya, Pragati, and Nimisha, who were volunteers at Udaan-aasma take (An NGO that works for the betterment of children). Since Priya was my roommate, I got to observe her life very intimately. She was mad for kids. She was very much concerned about their education. The rest ladies also used to work overnight just for one lovely smile of children. At the same time, I got to know GLA University has adopted many of the villages, and the students volunteer to teach and arranging events for the children of nearby villages, who go to government schools. After the college hours, the Udaan club used to teach them, and they even used to dedicate their weekends to going to school, teaching, and playing with them. 

Wow! Incredible. They were actually doing what I just thought. Applause for them.

Influenced by these three lovely girls and their dedicated team, I too decided to be a part of their visit to schools. I got to spend my weekend with those children. They were wonderful. I was so overwhelmed by their innocent smile. They took away my heart! In just two visits, one of the kids insisted me to visit his home and the next day bought some fruits for me.

Suddenly I felt some kind of attachment with kids. They were the happiest children, no worries about expensive toys, there were happy with friends. But due to some unavoidable circumstances, I could not continue with them, probably because I was afraid of getting emotional or maybe due to failure of time management! I could not go there for long, even forget their names and faces, but I miss them, I miss that feeling, I miss that peace, I miss that satisfaction. I wish to be part of that dedicated team again, I wish to go there again; and I wish to meet those kids again….

This blog is incomplete, so was my journey in Udaan. I hope someday I will be able to complete it. There I learned the difference between smile and happiness. You may smile in your life, but to get peace and real happiness, try helping others.

For now, I have a suggestion from Jessica Blaine Smith's diary. She quoted, “Gestures of kindness can change lives- theirs and yours. Say hi to strangers. Be generous whenever possible, generous with your money, your skills, and your time. Spend as much time outside as possible. Eat what is fresh, what is in season, what is local. Find someone who can fix that broken thing. Support local and independent”

Love everyone around!

A man’s insecurities and women’s low confidence always causes loss to society.

It might seem fierce, but I am going to dedicate this blog to several patriarchy rules, I have been questioning for long.

Why most of the men are insecure?

Around a couple of years ago, one of my friends told me she fell for her fellow mate, who was just like any other middle-class guy with a vision. That story was different because of their status difference. Middle-class men and rich girl- seems perfect fiction of a novel. Right? She approached, and eventually, it turned out to be a beautiful relationship. They started meeting and, spending a good time together. Both of them were batch toppers, and probably this is why that was the only couple everybody adored. After the end of the session, the girl told him that she would be going abroad for further studies, but this would not affect their bond. “I would love to continue what we had. We will tie a knot after I get a good job.” She added.

They tried managing everything well, but after some time, they end up separating. Do you know for what reason? After studies, she got a much-paid job almost triple to her man’s salary. He ended up the relationship by saying; she was habitual of living a luxurious life which he cannot afford. You are too high-maintenance for me, you are out of my reach, he sighed. And it was his fault for being so insecure and standoffish around a smart, talented, and loyal woman who could’ve made a fantastic life partner for him. His loss!

So that is the problem. A man is predicted to pay a girl’s bill or ditch her. They are expected to be more educated than his partner. Why can’t she simply contribute half of the amount? Why can’t she be more talented than him? Do you know how this expectation is damaging their mental stability, making them brutal? This is what makes them insecure.

We live in a society where men are expected to be intelligent, strong, earn well, and pay his girl’s shopping and restaurant bills. He is expected to be a superman who rescues people in problem, who should take leads and should never cry. Also, the one who completes the entire outdoor duties and should single out the majority of decisions. But what if a man moves out of the box? What if he is funny, not mature? What if he wants to learn Kathak, not boxing, and what if he is fond of cooking? He is often mocked and given shameful names.

Readers, you can tell me if I am putting the wrong questions.

Imagine a guy who loves helping his mother in household chores, who cries after getting hurt, who is not much strong physically, and sometimes relies on his girl to declare decisions. But will we accept him equally like a tall, muscular, decisive, protective man? Maybe not! That is because we have bordered the features for a man, in which he doesn’t fit well. He needs to change. Really! No, Not at all.

Why do women choose a jerk over a decent man?

Once I met a guy, who was rude, abusive, and uncivilized. I didn't like him at all, but unfortunately, there was no other vacant seat on the bus. Within half an hour he started abusing people loudly. When I asked him to behave he settled for a while. We had some conversation later. At the end of the journey, he was successful in convincing me that he was not bad at all. I may behave weird, but I am open, I may speak badly but I speak the truth. I don't cheat people with a mask, he added. 

When I reached home, I felt yes, he was right. People with soft tones and clean-faced often turn out to be cunning. At least he was not like them, he was straightforward and that is normal, he is a good guy. 

I shared this incident with my friend and what she replied was awaking. She told me that she dated him for this cause only. She liked his sassy, outspoken nature. She was convinced for the same reason for his beautiful heart and rude mouth. But later she came to know that he was a parasite who was feeding on her self-doubt. He made her understand that no smart guy can ever love her and she was not beautiful enough to date a civilized man. He interrupted all her contacts and made her realize she doesn't deserve better.

Many of us noticed man saying than women settle for jerks. Why do men sometimes curse women for not paying heed to so-called “perfect or decent man” Did you ever imagine why this happens?

Why a woman commits the one who insults her and shows himself smarter? She lives with the one who talks about her profession about which he barely knows. She allows man to overpower her and need him for her protection. We often see women working double and still craving for his attention and appreciation, sometimes sacrifices a lot, only to make him happy.

Let me tell you why; because she is not confident of herself. She feels this is the best man she deserved. She feels her opinion doesn’t matter much, and why would a good guy marry her? Take any attractive, sophisticated woman. You don’t see it, but she heads out judgment every single day. She deals with a hundred little paper cuts to her self-esteem and sense of intrinsic worth. Her character becomes the talk of the town.  She is often judged for her short skirt and traits. She is always prepared for being second, eat at last, and please her partner. This is where she fails! 

Probably she needs to wear extra layers of confidence, she needs to stop believing herself a victim. She should disagree if she feels so. Don’t we need to break this patriarchy system of our society which helps these jerks to rule over talented women than them?

Why can’t she pay the electricity bill and he cooks for her? Oh man, why do you need to be best at everything?, Can we respect a girl’s intelligence and education more than her looks?, Can’t we balance this equation of men and women? Can we break this stereotype? Are we the generation of change? Can we accept men, women, and eunuch just as humans? When will we break these stereotypes?

There are thousands of questions like this. Readers, if you have the answers, please let me know.

Mom’s magic- The ultimate place for strength and happiness

When I was a kid, my mother made some unseen boundaries for me. I had to take permission before going out; I had to eat nutritiously; I had to sleep before 10 pm, no chatting after 9 pm, and much more. I used to hate those rules like any other child.

As soon as I started growing up, I started breaking them. When I broke the very first rule, I was afraid but when I broke the second one I was not! When I broke the third rule, I was happy, and for fourth, I felt free and independent. After all, I was in the hostel, and my parents could not restrict me anymore.

I was on the sky-ninth. I had no boundaries; no worries; no more asking for permission. I enjoyed it for a year. Partying often, eating junks, misbehaving, and showing off became my everyday habit. I started losing people. Those who once loved me unconditionally started criticizing my personality. My ambitions were going to bins, and my hard work flew away somewhere else. Though this didn’t bother me much in starting, gradually I started hating myself for the same. Soon I was stepping towards doors of depression. What I received from that messy life was nothing but tears, loneliness, heartbreak, and so many of the sleepless nights. I became a teenager who unlocked independence on the cost of locking safety and happiness. I was alone, tired, wanting to be loved and cared.

I realized what I got after partying late was dark circles. The outcome of the relationship was heartbreak, being rude made me alone, and my poor marks mocked me for not studying properly. When I started getting these unwanted results, I started wanting mum more and more to console me and tell me it’s going to be alright. But how could she? I didn’t tell her anything. Once I said mom is far away to restrict me, later I felt why is she so far that I can’t hug her and cry?

Many times I tried confessing to her, but why can’t I speak my heart to her. Maybe because she is busy with the kitchen, office, papa, and my siblings or I know I did wrong. Or maybe, because I feel guilty of ignoring her pieces of advice every time.

Now, after all the sweet and sour experiences, I felt like going back to her boundaries to get relaxed and happy. I felt like telling her everything and say ‘I am sorry’ you were always right!

One evening, I gathered all of my strengths and called my mom; I told her everything that she deserved to know much earlier and guess what she said? She said,“ It’s going to be fine; I still love you” I cried as much as I wanted to and started fresh.

They loved me, they still love me.

There is a famous dialogue from the Kota factory, “your parent’s decision may be right or wrong but their intentions can never be wrong".Well, that is true in every sense, I can feel it now!

So people, what is your teenage experience? Did you hate parent’s boundaries in childhood? What do you think now? Tell me in your story in the comment section.

Pause the Moment- I am in Shimla, The Queen of Hills

Although I am not a travel blogger, but I believe that each one of us has a longing to travel someday. So I just thought about giving you a glimpse from one of my trips to the mountains of Shimla, Queen of Hills.

A year ago, after the completion of my internship, the idea of visiting Shimla was born. At that time I didn’t know someday, I will be writing about this trip. I had many trips, but this was completely special. 

Before I sat to write the journey, I thought it would be complete within an hour or two. No bro, I was wrong. When I started writing, I started getting lost in memory lane.

What a beautiful place it was! I still remember what I saw. With each passing second, it was getting difficult to pen down the beauty of hills, cold winds, tiredness of trekking, and much more. 

Okay, okay! Let’s start now.

That was an unexpected trip. I woke up late, changed, and went to the bus stop. Shit! I had missed all the buses going for Shimla. I was sad inside and about to return home when I saw a running Bus with the hoarding of Shimla. I ran fast and caught the bus. Oh! I took a long breath and fixed myself. 

The trip was a great travel ride, all thanks to the weather which was really pleasant with winters just seeping in.

  

The Ridge, the Mall road of Shimla is the heart of the city.

   

 

   

 

It is one of the active commercial areas of this place. Automobiles were not allowed and hence we had to walk. 

The Ridge is a wide-open street located on the side of Shimla Mall Road. The Ridge has everything, from shops selling some exclusive monuments to the spectacular view of the snow-capped mountain. It is famous for a lot of things, but best known for shopping.

The traditional outfit of Himachal Pradesh

          

   

Long kurtas stretching from neck to their toe is the traditional outfit of Himachal Pradesh. Sometimes Ghaghris, Salwar-Kameez, Cholis, and a lot of bangles are included.

There are many ornaments and jewelry that are worn by women: Chakk (silver domed and worn on the top of head), Chanderhar (necklace or pendant worn in weddings), Chiri (similar to maangtika), Toke (wristbands), Pari (foot necklace), Jhumka (earrings), etc.

These dresses are available on rent, for photography. You can wear them like I did.

 Watching the sunset at Scandal Point

    

The flat platform on the Ridge road becomes a point of activity in the evenings as people gather to visit the Scandal Point. It offers a divine view of the magnificent sunrise and sunset. 

Shimla has a lot of stories to tell, some legends and more heritage, but all equally exciting. Begins at the appropriately named ‘Scandal Point’ where legend has it that the Maharajah of Patiala was exiled from Shimla after an intense argument with the Viceroy (some stories say he ran away with the Viceroy’s daughter) and was eventually exiled from Shimla –giving this spot its name in 1892. 

Run to Lakkar Bazaar for wooden gifts

    

       

It took my heart at the very first sight. A stroll through the Lakkar Bazaar or the Tibetan market has gifts at bargain prices. The nearby Gaiety theatre is also a rich cultural heritage and worth a visit. I bought the key-rings and a memento. 

Trekking to the top of Jakhoo Temple is the best activity you can do in Shimla

            

        

  

         

Jakhoo Temple is located at a height of around 2,455 m above sea level. Trekking is a popular activity for tourists to reach the top. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the peak. Though the activity is easy during other seasons, it can get a bit tiring during summer. It has Lord Hanuman’s footprints engraved on marble, paintings, and statues of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram. The pious chants (or Bhajans) and the ringing of bells fill up the entire complex.

The grand Viceregal Lodge, also called Indian Institute of Advanced Study

    

The Majestic Viceregal Lodge also called Rashtrapati Niwas is like a mini-museum of British colonial rule and houses a collection of ancient antiques and photographs from that period. 

It is the most historically significant and architectural impressive building of the region that makes for a pleasant half-day outing. The Viceregal Lodge was the summer residence of the Indian Viceroy, the British Raj leader who governed the whole of the Indian subcontinent between 1888 until 1946. Within the Viceroy Lodge many significant decisions from this era about India was devised, discussed, and agreed upon.

For visitors the Viceregal Lodge is an elaborate Mock-Tudor stately home that is surrounded by immaculately maintained gardens. Only a few of the staterooms can be visited as part of a brief tour as the building has been transformed into an advanced university complex. Viceregal Lodge is located 2 km west of Shimla on the summit of Observatory Hill, which provides wonderful panoramic views over the region.

Snow: Capture Memories and enjoy

        

Playing in the snow, rolling, dancing, and clicking pictures is another best thing to do for creating your own album of ‘Shimla in winter photos’. Making ice-balls and throwing it on friends is something that I will hold forever.

Shimla apart from being an ideal despite skin burning summers is a perfect place for enjoying the peaceful environment and vaporous beauty donated by Mother Nature. People love visiting Shimla for refreshing their hearts and minds and enhancing their innate skills.

For a normal person, Shimla is truly nature's delighting wonderland and one can enjoy in the world of immortal beauty and cooling environments.

Unlike usual trips, I was not burnt at the end. I was fresh, mesmerized by the view, trying to stay there more. It was worth it. It’s been astonishing going there.

Every travel tale has a different story. So I welcome you all to share yours in the comment section.

AND FINALLY, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR BEING A PATIENT READER!

Happy travels!

How to cope up with stress waves, and cooperate with immunity- Health is Wealth

The human body is a world itself. It has its powerhouse as well as the enemies inside. All it needs is to balance. Balancing the body and mind and coordinating it to the tunes of nature is certainly the right step towards peace and happiness.

Someone is disappointed about not having glowing skin; someone is disappointed about not having a muscular body, someone is sad about not earning well and some are sad about not having space around. Most of the people are frustrated due to lockdown, they are not able to go outside, people around them are dying; they cannot meet friends and even family sometimes. News data are scaring them; the worries about career and life have started killing people and sometimes their own immunity is!

But from where this sadness comes out?

The lack of mental stability, un-satisfaction, poor diet, lack of sleep, smoking, moving too little, alcohol, and drugs are the main reasons. All these emerge from lifestyle conditions which take 31 million lives in a year. 

Well nobody can put down any syllabus or a shortcut for self-realization but I gave it a try just for you, Readers! 

Whether you are looking asana to sleep properly, want mental peace, concentration, or precaution from a major disease, cut weight, maintain or even add, sit back, and relax. Here is a shortlist compiled for you. Practice them daily to boost your immunity and protect yourself from this global pandemic.

Side plank (Vasisthasana)

This pose strengthens your shoulders, upper back, and abdominals. It also promotes core and scapular stability, which is helpful if you’re working on inversions or arm balances.

Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

Stretches the entire front of the body, ankles, thighs and groins, abdomen and chest, and throat, and deep hip flexors (psoas), Strengthens the back muscles, Improves posture, Stimulates the organs of the abdomen and neck

Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

           

It may seem like you’re, well, just standing there, but bear with us. This is the blueprint for all other poses. It promotes balance and directs your attention to the present moment.

                                                          Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

           

This pose helps improve concentration and your ability to balance by strengthening the arches of the feet and the outer hips.

Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)

While this pose can be challenging for those with tight muscles, it will help promote balance, stretch the hamstrings and inner thighs, and create a feeling of expansion in the body.

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

Strengthens the spine, Stretches chest and lungs, shoulders, and abdomen, Tones the buttocks, Stimulates abdominal organs, Helps relieve stress and fatigue, Opens the heart and lungs, Soothes sciatica, Therapeutic for asthma, The male and female reproductive system improves, Irregular menstrual cycle problems are rectified too, With the increased blood circulation your face gets a radiant look

Plank Pose (Kumbhakasana)

Considered one of the best moves for core strength, strengthens your abdominals and promotes stability.

 Bound Ankle Pose (Baddha konasana)

You’ll give your inner thighs and groin a nice stretch, while the forward bend creates a calming, cooling effect.

Shoulder stand (Salamba sarvangasana)

     

Like headstand, this inversion offers numerous benefits to multiple systems in the body. It’s a cooling and energetic way to end your practice.

Wheel Pose (Urdhva dhanurasana)

This backbend opens the entire front of the body. It strengthens the muscles in your back, shoulders, and hamstrings.

Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana)

The deep stretch of hips, ankles, thighs, shoulders, armpit, chest, deltoid and triceps, Aids chronic knee pain, Strengthens spine and abdominals, Helps decompress low spine (during folded variation)

Asento Squatting position

Strengthens your core, Reduces the risk of injury, Crushes calories, Strengthens the muscles of your lower body, Boosts athletic ability and strength

Easy pose (Sukhasna)

It spreads a sense of calm and peace through your mind and body, it relaxes your brain, you will feel all exhaustion, stress, and anxiety leave your being, your chest and collar bones are broadened, your body alignment is improved, practicing this asana helps elongate your spine, your back becomes stronger and steadier, this asana also gives your knees and ankles a good stretch.

Thank you!