Happy Independence Day to all (Men) from Team Maadhyam. Today, we reflect on the reality behind this national celebration—freedom for some and fear for others. Is it truly Independence Day, or just another charade crafted by society? Imagine if the victim of a horrific crime were your sister, mother, wife, or girlfriend. Conversely, picture the perpetrator as your father, son, boyfriend, or husband. Would the injustice still sit well with you?
It has been a decade since the Nirbhaya case shook the nation, yet countless rape cases continue to flood the headlines. The path to justice still hinges on social media outrage, candlelight vigils, and protracted legal battles. This is the freedom we celebrate.
We’ve made strides in various fields as a nation, but we conveniently overlook the deep-seated societal failures. Once again, daughters must sacrifice their personal lives and career aspirations. “Oh My God, she comes home late; what if something happens to her, and she decides to speak up? It will tarnish the family name.” How about instilling better values in our sons instead?
This is the same old story: “She must be asking for it; look at what she’s wearing.” Was she inviting trouble at 3:00 am, exhausted after a long shift, dressed in a white coat, supposedly safe within the walls of a hospital? Are hospitals sanctuaries for healing when they can’t even ensure safety measures like CCTV coverage? “Wow! Truly, Vikas Hua Hai! Hospitals now double as venues for fulfilling depraved desires at any cost.” Is this the progress we are proud of?
At Team Maadhyam, we stand in solidarity with the victims and their families, voicing the questions they can no longer ask: Why was it so difficult to accept ‘No’? Why couldn’t you control your primal urges? How do those who witnessed these atrocities and remained silent sleep at night? What if it had been you or someone you love?
India is a nation steeped in cultural values. Where “betiyan ghar ki lakshmi hoti hai,” why has this happened? Let’s celebrate the façade of freedom while women live in fear.
“Wish You A Very ‘Not So Happy’ Independence Day to You All”
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