An article on “Incompetent government?” from Indian
Express clearly brings out the attitude of this society towards female. This is
turning out to be big problem in terms of psychological, criminal and poor law and
order enforcements in this country. Lack of clear action, insensitive and
ill-feeling of the miscreants, and utter disrespect of women sends signal on insecure
and pathetic reality which has been continuing for decades. About a week back,
we have witnessed one of the worst incidents of untamed act of rape on a girl
in Delhi by contemptuous men. The act cannot be described for such a
cold-bloodedness unless felt as a victim. The extent to which a man can turn
into an ugly beast in ravishing a young woman has raised questions in the minds
of people? The very same question on safety and security of women which has
been talked for many years has risen back to the fore. The public outrage and
support for the incident is natural inclination for any human being who values
the feeling of compassion.
Aftermath of incident has brought limelight on the
number of sexual assault in many forms that go unreported. I could not fathom
on the sudden increase in reported incidents on Newspaper and News Channels.
One such troublesome incident is the rape of a five year old girl by two
teenagers. The tendency to hurt a child is heinous or should I say a
psychological and cultural degeneration is happening? The mindset of the people
becomes more convoluted to really understand what is running in their gray
matter. It’s just that nick of the moment and crime is committed. Such a wicked
and uncontrollable action is worrisome phenomenon.
I was reading an article in Times of India on a
disorder called hypersexual disorder. In that it has been mentioned that rape
and other extreme sexual acts as higher spectrum of this disorder. Rape seems
to be big compulsive preoccupation in the minds of the many people influenced
by digital media, cultural change and drugs. Couple of newspapers reported that
girls should learn martial arts for self defence. My school teacher once asked
me what if the guy brings a revolver/knife. The point is how keen are we to
sense a trouble. How much safety do we feel in an environment? Are we being
cautious? Can we tame a psycho? Do we have wherewithal to defend in a sudden
unforeseen attack? As far I see the psychotic condition is on the rise with no
respite and no defence. Today, we can’t even read mind of a neighbourhood.
Hannibal lecter in the movie ‘Silence of the Lambs’ says, “We begin by coveting
what we see every day”.
It also brings to the point on how to ensure that this
kind of incidents doesn’t happen. In this regard, I am genuinely in favour of
TamilNadu Chief Minister’s action on a similar incident in Coimbatore as well
as her immediate policy action after the Delhi incident. Fear is one of the
powerful tools to put away offense like this. A faster justice to the incident
and wrapping up with appropriate punishment will keep the incidents at bay. Yet,
we are awaiting swift action on the Delhi case. I am not an expert to comment on
the legal measures and hope the committee that has been set up for bringing up
anti-rape law will do a better justice and address all possible loopholes. Now,
other part which I have been addressing at very domestic level where rape on
minors and rape by neighbours/relatives are committed is on the psychological
condition. Do we really know about the mindset of our teenage son or a cousin
or a close relative? Have we made attempts to get a hold on their mental
condition and made necessary steps to address it. It would be appropriate to
take care of our family circle and ensure that no one will fall to other end of
the court. Preventing our closed-ones from committing and safeguarding them
from being victimized will be our prime act. While we extend our sincere
support and expect government to act fast, we should take additional
responsibility on addressing the root of the problem both on the cultural
change as well as on the mental condition.
