In our society, we observe harassment of women and girls on a daily basis. Sexual harassment, women trafficking and gender discrimination are some of the routine challenges faced by women. In my view, the discrimination of women begins at their home. Of course, it has changed somewhat with the dawn of the 21st century, but the idea of an equal society still stands as a distant dream.
Now, let me narrate a heart-breaking tale of gender-bias and discrimination.
Once there was a beautiful orthodox family with Govindarajan as the head of the family. His wife was Seetha Devi. They had two children, a 27-year-old young girl named Dharani and a 23-year old boy named Gagan. Govindarajan was a mathematics genius and he worked as the head of a department at a famous university.
As he was about to retire, he wanted his son to hold the position after him. To let his wishes come true, one day he ordered his son Gagan to appear for the entrance test that would enable him to grab the prestigious position. But as Gagan wanted to be a writer, he refused to do the same.
Govindarajan was disappointed with his son’s decision and got very upset. He desired to see his children make him happy. As Gagan had failed to do so, he wanted Dharani to satisfy his wishes. But instead of asking Dharani to fulfil his dream, he brought a marriage proposal for her as he felt it would restore his happiness.
Dharani was a girl with an independent outlook. Although initially hesitant, she finally conveyed to her mother that she wanted to fulfill her father’s dream by cracking the entrance exam and thus by being appointed as the HoD, she wanted to continue his legacy.
But her mother refused. She said, “Dharani, you are a girl and therefore you are unfit for the task. You would soon have to get married. In fact, even I had married your father around the same age as yours is at present. You might have your dreams and goals but after all, you are a woman and you are dependent. The only alternative you have is to get ready for marriage.”
The statement given by her mother saddened Dharani.
The day of the exam arrived and Govindarajan was sitting idly, thinking of his son and his decision. A while later,he got a call from the university. The voice on the other side of the call said, “Congratulations, sir. Your dream has been fulfilled!”
Govindarajan was puzzled. He said, “What are you talking about? My son didn’t even write the entrance test. How can he have qualified it?”
The University chancellor said, “What are you saying is right sir. It is your daughter who shall continue your legacy. Your daughter qualified the examination and has acquired the position. You can speak to her.”
Dharani then spoke to Govindarajan. She said, “Father, I am very happy that I have fulfilled your dream but you never encouraged me like you encouraged Gagan. I want to ask you as to why you discouraged my dreams and my independent life. Why did you discourage girl education? Is it mandatory to get married? Is there no respect for a girl’s decision? This all that I had wanted to discuss with you, but no one listened to me. You encouraged Gagan for his dream of writing and to forget about his refusal to continue your legacy, you even brought a marriage proposal for me.”
Govindarajan was shattered. With tears rolling down his face, he said, “Dear Dharani, I am sorry. I could not understand your feelings. I might be successful as a scholar, but I have failed as a father. Please come home dear, we will be waiting for you.” With a heavy heart, he disconnected the call.
Govindarajan had been waiting for his daughter keenly. Suddenly, a police van and an ambulance entered his home.
He was shocked at the sight. Addressing the inspector, he said, “What happened to my daughter?”
The inspector replied, “Sorry sir, your daughter was attacked by goons. They killed her for money.”
Dharani’s entire family went into a sudden state of shock.
The inspector handed over Dharani’s stuff to the family. Her belongings included a handbag, inside which lay her personal dairy. Govindarajan opened it.
In it lay a note describing the pain of his girl who was no more. It said, “A girl has equal rights as a man in the world. So, she can achieve her dreams and her goals. She can also live independently. But gender discrimination begins from home itself. It is at home where stereotypes are born. Statements like ‘as you are a girl, you can’t play cricket’, ‘you need to learn to cook as you have to get married at some stage’ and ‘this is what you are meant for’ are spoken at homes. If such discrimination begins from home, how can a girl can face the society?”
Govindaraj realized his mistake. He recognized his daughter’s feelings and her ambitions. But now, it was futile. Dharani was dead and so were her dreams.
Writers Note: I just want to convey that when women are discriminated by their own families, how can they face the whole society? A girl’s family must respect her feelings and support her in her dreams. In the story narrated above, Dharani’s father Govindarajan is a scholar and a well-educated man. But he doesn’t know how to respect the feelings of his daughter. And when this is the case, what is the use of his studies? I request all families to set their daughters free and to let them achieve their goals. I request all families to support their daughters.