I woke up in the morning and checked my phone after rubbing the half-opened eyes. It showed three notifications — 22 WhatsApp messages, 13 Facebook messages and four missed calls.
I got scared because I generally don’t wake up to more than 2-3 WhatsApp messages. I opened the messages hurriedly only to get a huge smile on my face. Every message read, “Happy International Men’s Day, Hardik.”
Such a bright start to the day! I was now imagining how wonderful the end of the day would be. I freshened up, got ready and left for my office. On my way, I saw five hoardings from various communities and groups wishing “Happy Men’s Day” to people around the city. I parked my car, and as I was entering my office premises, I saw my office decorated with balloons and ribbons.
“Happy International Men’s Day to the charming males of our office” was written in bold and capital letters on the notice board of the office. We cut the cake, received chocolates, gifts and a lot of love from everyone throughout the day.
Trin…Trin…Trin…Trin…
Shit, my alarm rang. And it also woke me up from a wonderful dream I was seeing. I woke up, rubbed my eyes and checked my phone. “November 19,” yelled the calendar. Yes, today is ‘International Men’s Day’. However, I hadn’t received even a single Whatsapp message or call. On my way to the office, not a single hoarding wished me Happy Men’s Day.
I reached my office, slogged through the day, attended calls after calls, managed and mismanaged things simultaneously.
But all this while, I kept thinking — why is Men’s Day not celebrated and recognised as much as Women’s Day?
Surely, Women’s Day notifies us of respecting female power and bringing awareness to gender inequality which is still prevalent in society. March 8, International Women’s Day, is celebrated to express gratitude and respect to women and their contribution to making the world a beautiful place to live in.
But why don’t we celebrate International Men’s Day with the same level of excitement? Don’t men deserve to be respected and felt special for being the unsung heroes during most parts of their lives?
In a race to equalise the genders, are we not actually pushing males way behind where they are not even heard or respected anymore? Well, I don’t know the answers.
But to every male out there, wishing you a very Happy International Men’s Day. To us, from us, Cheers!