Delhi Gang Rape. Juvenile Justice Board Decision.

The Juvenile Justice Board has ruined all possibility of good justice by calling the 6th accused  minor. This, after the police have called him the most brutal of them all. And,when the mother & the boy's school have accepted in all honesty that they don't know his exact date of birth. 

It's cruel. What if the boy commits the same horrendous crime, after his release from reform home- most probably in June this year?  Disgusting! What message are we giving to potential rapists?

At least in death, the girl should get proper justice.

2010.Time to change for the better.

But for the fact that I failed to keep my promise of being regular and punctual, the year 2010 did seem to start on a positive note.

The rising of the Indian people against DGP Rathore is certainly a good and healthy indication. Kudos to Aradhana Gupta, a friend of late Ruchika who fought a relentless battle against the former DGP. The other day, when the legal expert Ram Jethmalani angrily remarked that neither the media nor the people were following any correct procedure. She was quick to reply that a common man does not understand the legal language which is often confusing. I could not help but marvel at the way she kept her cool. This, especially when she saw her friend Ruchika committing suicide because of lack of justice. Yes, here was a young woman in her early 30's who fought the ugly world without giving up.

Well truly, harassment, cruelty and sadism have to be dealt with strongly. Be it a man or a woman. Every human being on this earth has a right to live a life of dignity and happiness. And we don't need a UN to tell us this. We should realize it ourselves.

As I say these big talks, the death of more than 100 people in the recent cold wave in India is shocking. My husband happened to tell me this when I was laying the table for dinner. It was just bad! Afterwords when I sat reflecting on this all, the advice of my father in childhood came rushing to me yet again. "You know, your grandmother was not very learned in the true sense. Probably just First or Second class Pass. But when I picked up my first job she said one thing. Your salary is not yours entirely." Your family, neighbours and those around you have a certain share in it. And I have not forgotten these words!"My father concluded.

Certainly a very difficult thought to understand. I don't remember seeing my grandmother. It must have been somewhere in late 1940's or early 50's when she said this to my dad. But,I really don't think I ever comprehended the meaning. Till I think yesterday when I felt miserable. Somewhere I felt guilty too. Let's face it, I have not been a very good human being. I have been too busy in my own challenges and difficulties to pay attention to others. But maybe I can still help whenever possible? I can always try. For all I know in these deaths, we may have lost some good teacher, scientist, doctor...

Oh God give me the strength and will to rise above myself and do something for my fellow brethren. Amen.

Bhopal Gangrape. Several Unanswered Questions.

Morning of 19 June'09! Almost all newspapers-Local as well as national, carried this wretched news of a 25 yr old woman gangraped by 3 men in a speeding SUV car on the outskirts of Bhopal (M.P.), while the husband was held at gunpoint. Hardly a way to begin a day.It was just very,very bad. Making no sense whatsoever!There were several questions unanswered.

The couple had come from Mumbai to admit their 2 children to Asaram Bapu Ashram School, situated on the outskirts of Bhopal. A boarding school to be precise. Were Mumbai schools not worth considering?

Asaram Bapu Ashram School was in news last year for all the wrong reasons. 2-3 of their students had died under mysterious circumstances. The news was covered by all newspapers and channels. On what basis was this school chosen?

The couple had no one with them at the time of the incident. We don't normally put our children in boardings or hostels unless there is an acquaintance or relative staying. I think schools particularly ask for local guardians. Does it mean that they knew no one there?

The couple, it seems, left the ashram at 8.30 pm. Admission procedure, be it school or college, gets over by 2 or 3 pm. Fine, that the couple wanted to spend some more time with their children. But, were they the only parents around? Normally at such times, there is a buzz of parents and children.

The ashram is on the outskirts of the city and is at a forlon place. In the past few months there have been reports of rape and other such crimes in the particular area. How come no soul in the ashram thought of cautioning them? At such places you often come across some caring person! It is really difficult to believe this.

The ashram being situated at a secluded place must definitely be having a Guest House facility for parents. Or is there no such facility such as a Rest Room or Guest House at the ashram?

Hitching has always had its risks, be it India or anywhere. And taking a lift at night, that too at a place so isolated meant danger most certainly. How did the couple feel that it was all very safe?

Maybe things were to go wrong and that's why it all happened. But, I feel miserable for the young woman. Hope speedy justice is meted out to her. But somewhere I have this terrible feeling that the husband was somewhere involved. Of course I will be happy to be proved wrong. But there is one request I wish to make to all impulsive youngsters-'Please do not play with life'. Blaming police, law courts will not lead to turning back the clock. Rape is a living hell. It can destroy an entire household. Listening to parents and elders is sometimes a wise thing.