A few years ago, Bollywood celebrity Aamir Khan shared a personal conversation with his then-wife Kiran Rao about feeling unsafe in India and considering relocating. They were harshly criticized, labeled as traitors, simply because they were public figures. Yet, many Indian families have similar discussions daily.
As an ordinary citizen, I'm proud of my culture and heritage, but I find the country increasingly unbearable. I'm fearful for my loved ones—my daughter, mother, toddler, and friends.
On India's 78th Independence Day, I question whether we truly deserve this independence. We’ve always been told India is the world’s largest democracy, but is democracy even functioning anymore? Theoretically, yes; practically, no.
Inhumane behavior is escalating daily. Rape. A crime which in itself is gruesome. There was a time when the 'girls' were labelled as reasons to call for rape as they would wear 'provocative' cloths and mingle with men. Can an infant be wearing provocative cloths? Can a wheelchair bound 80 years old lady be wearing provocative cloths? Can a little boy be the reason for the 'invitation' to sexually molest him? Can a doctor on duty be calling for a brutal rape? Not just that, but with glass shreds, needles, cigarette butts and what not in her private parts? I mean, what goes on in the minds of such perverts? The cruelty is unimaginable. As I write this, I'm trembling with anger and fear after reading about yet another rape case in Kolkata.
Despite celebrating Indian women's achievements, many still consider daughters a burden and uphold regressive traditions like dowry. Educated or ambitious women are expected to bear the sole responsibility for home and family, while men are allowed to rest because they "provide." We are in 2024, yet these archaic mindsets persist. We worship goddesses but continue to oppress and harm women in real life.
"How dare she is fulfilling her dreams."
The roots of our problems lie in two areas: India's history of colonization and an uneducated population (not just in literacy but true education). Years of being ruled have embedded a "hoard money and power" mentality in our DNA, something that can’t easily be changed. Those with access to money exploit it, while others, desperate, resort to inhumane lengths to get it.
Our uneducated population believes in endless reproduction, preferring male offspring regardless of the consequences. This has led to a severe imbalance: more people, fewer jobs, and a growing number of egotistical, unemployed males who feel entitled to act out violently.
In our 78th year of independence, India has become an angry, unhappy, unsafe, and corrupt nation. Concrete jungles replace green ones, and jealousy and perversion are rampant. Yet, those who speak out are labeled traitors.
I’m immensely proud of my country, but I am also a stressed and sad woman, still striving for a safe, successful, and happy life here.
