78 years of being independent, yet our ‘Bharat ki Beti’s’ are still at war—a war with society, a war with patriarchy, a war with mentality, a war with herself—a war that she never started!
Just a week before our nation celebrates 78 years of being free from the atrocities against humanity, the rape case in Kolkata reminded us of what we have truly achieved as a diverse, democratic, and independent nation. A nation that rejoices as Manu Bhaker brings glory to the country, but a nation where a girl who dreamt of saving innocent lives is brutally raped and killed, with every line of humanity being crossed!
As I read the celebratory messages and watch the reels across social media, as an Indian, it fills my heart with joy, but as a girl, it feels like a mockery. When the nation recites tales of bravery, war, and freedom, as a girl, it feels unsafe to walk alone, even in my neighborhood. Today, as we all come together, hoist our flag, and sing the national anthem, our dearest Bharat Mata cries with blood across her soul and body, pleading to be left alone, pleading to live, pleading to laugh, and pleading to breathe in a safe environment.
An innocent girl died with tears of blood in her eyes, pain beyond imagination, and yet the leaders are busy playing blame games? As a girl, I wonder, how many NIRBHAYA’s more would it take for the nation to finally wake up?
Years ago, regulations were made to protect our daughters, and now we are back to square one! The fact that some cowardly, sick, and inhuman man still thinks that “it was her fault, to walk alone at night” makes me wonder—have we actually evolved as a society?
In a world where we talk about absolute equality, it pains me to even question our existence as a femininity. While every girl out there questions her existence, the case will soon be brushed under the carpet when something “MORE IMPORTANT” grabs the attention of the public and authorities. The sad reality of the Indian judicial system is that it gives two months to close rape cases, yet in many circumstances, it takes years to bring justice.
Why wait for cases like Nirbhaya and Kolkata to realize that our judicial system needs serious amendments for sexual assault and rape cases? The scars of these heinous acts run deep in the collective consciousness of our society, yet we continue to overlook the urgent need for change. Our daughters deserve more than hollow promises and delayed justice; they deserve to live without fear, to dream without limits, and to walk freely in a nation that truly upholds the values of equality and freedom.
As we celebrate our independence, let us not forget that the true measure of our nation’s progress lies in how we protect and uplift our daughters. It's time to stand united, not just in words but in actions, to ensure that no more lives are lost to the horrors of violence and injustice. Our Bharat ki Betis are not just survivors; they are the strength, the courage, and the future of this nation. Let's fight this war together, and let’s win it, not just for ourselves but for the generations to come.