An ode to 2022

 Welcome 2023 or Well, come 2023?

Something like this should have been written on 31st, right? But how does that even matter?There is this thought which striked me today. When I look at the mirror I see an imperfect being who has a number of things to work upon.I see a story and I can assure you friends it's not a horror one! So I think a lot about this.A new year just like that imperfect being who has to learn a lot from its past self.It has to acknowledge its strength but at the same time realise the extent of responsibility it is having as ultimately a new year signifies ageing that, 'Look, with time you are growing old so be wiser otherwise you will be a disgrace!' 2023 will be my 18th year on this 4.6 billion year old earth which revolves around some 13 billion year old sun( I am not sure whether these stats are correct as NCERT has not been revised since past one billion year).ENOUGH!

Aung Sang Syu Kyi in her famous book of essay titled freedom from fear says that in order to live a dignified life one must get rid of all their fears.Rightly said.When we talk about women's issue in the year 2022 we can see this fight for dignity.Throughout the world not just India the fight for women has centred around this idea of securing equal civil rights and dignity.

In Iran there has been a massive protest against hijab after the death of Mahsa Amini.After the Arab Spring this was perhaps the first social movement that enjoyed a massive public support.The demand is simple yet the authoritarian government refused to accept the demand.Women are fighting for their rights even in Islamic countries like Iran which for long have suppressed the aspirations of women.We get to hear a lot about giving equal political rights but what is the purpose of getting right to vote if one cannot have basic access to freedom.The matter of choice and being able to make choice is the centre of the struggle.

In India the brutality in the crimes against women has increased tremendously.The recent shraddha murder case has shocked the entire country,The year 2022 also marked a decade to the Nirbhaya case.The case that shook the entire country and created an uproar.Since then a lot has changed.Efforts have been made to make public transport safer for women.But the question is, is that all?? A number of cases go unreported and societal mindset towards girls ( the notion of paraya dhan) is still prevalent.

What lies at the centre of women's movement and demand is the simple idea of being identified as equal CITIZEN.Reforms are many but their stringent imlementation is the area of interest.I hope 2023 will bring a new India where we will see more women in action.This is very important.It will be a new chapter for India and we, women as the equal halves of the population will bring key changes.There is a sense of hope for betterment after all!

ASMITA