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.

Election Results. My Revived Hopes.

Gosh! poor voting had scared me , for it meant unstable government once more. But things have somehow worked out and Congress has emerged as the single largest party.

Not that I hate Advaniji or his party, but I want a government that will work on issues that are more important. And yes! I am happy that Shiv Sena and MNS are out.

As a citizen of the country I want the following things from the government:

1) I want a separate Minister for Education. Somebody who will work with his team and see that a good educational standard is maintained in all schools, colleges and universities. I want a minister who will pay more attention to the quality of education rather than spend time pleasing the minorities.

2) I want safety for girls and women. The recent episodes of rapes in the trains is a matter of grave concern. Domestic violence needs to stop too.

3) I am against 33% reservation for women. We cannot afford to have women candidates who are dumb and with no mind of their own. It would be dangerous to have these women passing on the baton to unworthy husbands and sons. For this would mean gross misrule in the constituency.

4) I want a clean government that will promote good NGO's in the society. I am told that several of the NGO's have to pay bribes to government employees in order to get the work done. Just last week my husband and I came across a helpless 17 year old boy looking for work. He had a mop in hand and was looking around to wipe scooters and cars. The boy told us that he had no parents.There are many such helpless boys and girls in the streets. There are also people like us willing to help in their own small way. Indeed, an NGO in every area would be a great help.

5) I would also like the new government to focus on economic stability and employment guidance to the youth.

6) This apart, terrorism needs to be tackled very very fast. Our laws are indeed outdated. We need to adopt stringent measures to combat terrorism. We have lost enough of lives.

Please Mr. Prime Minister do look into these suggestions. Call it an earnest request from an Indian citizen.

And yes! Amir Khan's ad campaign, together with Tata Tea moral appeal ads should continue next 5 years so that people wake up to vote next time at least.