Minesh reminisces about Diwali and is transported back to it. He opined during any Diwali make sure no one dares to spot you or stare at you in public and call you a “Pataka“. If so, show them how much fire this Pataka has. Dress up like a queen and never think that what if men and boys pass ugly or unkind comments. Better, imagine the compliments you are going to get from gentlemen. Let’s be positive from next Diwali. Burn all your negative thoughts instead. Here’s a fresh approach, from the teenage writer, in this week’s column, exclusively for Different Truths.
Yeah! So finally Diwali is over. I reminisce about the Festival of Lights, travelling back in time. In my mind’s eye, it’s Diwali. Joy and happiness is all around and within us. Diwali, the festive season has been favourite for the women, since their birth. And, celebrating it in lakhs of different manners are the men’s job.
What is Diwali about? Crackers? Sweets? Diyas? Lights? Lamps? New dresses? Or spotting a well-dressed Pataka? Is this a secular, democratic, sovereign and so-called independent country? Where still men’s rights aren’t equal to that of women’s. This is because of us. Our cheap and small thinking.
Diwali isn’t just a festival for a day or two. This spirit must be in every Indian’s soul for the rest of 365 days also. On Diwali, we do various efforts for ourselves, our family, our friends, etc. Why don’t we do something for our country? Our countrywomen?
What is women’s safety? Is it religious or secular? Internal safety or external safety?
Smartness or foolishness? Pick up a topic and you can debate till your last breath. But, debates and senseless discussions won’t work until you stand up for your society and for women’s safety.
Till date, women in different parts of our country cover/ hide their faces. They call it ‘our rules’. Maybe, their ancestors were little insecure about the females in their families and this is what affects their great-grand daughters and daughters-in-law.
Take a look at those women, who are touching skies because of their talent. Many unmarried women are into politics, social activism, Bollywood, aerospace, cultural activities and much more. And the reason behind this success is the hard work for sure but their inner soul wanted all this. Wake up! It’s never too late. They stood up for themselves. And, for the females, who are still under the pressure of ‘rules’ it really won’t work, if it continues. It may affect the next generations as well. Ask for women safety, impoverishment, respect, etc. You can and you should demand for it. But, never follow these rules, which will kill yourself and your dreams in many different ways. Show the world that women can be/ are much more intelligent than them.
So, during any Diwali make sure no one dares to spot you or stare at you in public and call you a “Patakha”. If so, show them how much fire this Pataka has. Dress up like a queen and never think that what if men and boys pass ugly or unkind comments. Better, imagine the compliments you are going to get from gentlemen.
Let’s be positive from next Diwali. Burn all your negative thoughts instead.
Adopt Feminism!
Author’s note: This column is for every girl and woman I’ve met and known.
Pix from the Net.
Minesh Santani is a 14-year student of Class IX in Holy Child Convent High School. His varied hobbies include reading, writing, photography, direction, acting, singing, social works, etc. He stays in Ulhasnagar, Thane.
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