Celebrating our Devis

While the festivities have begun for this year and all of us are praying that this portends the end of the coronavirus and the beginning of good tidings, one thing I hope that changes is the societal attitude in some places whereby the girl child is considered a “bojh”. Our traditional beliefs ingrain the importance of worshiping Devis during this festival time. These Goddesses are considered as the supreme power who bless us with health, wealth and prosperity.

Each of the Devis has her own super powers. They are worshipped and celebrated across India by different names and activities.  The Gujaratis show their devotion by playing Dandiya and Garba; the Southern states decorate odd number steps with various dolls called as “golu”; the Maharashtrians call married ladies home and give them haldi-kumkum; the Bengalis celebrate by worshipping huge idols of Goddess Durga. Thus, celebrating these nine days is part of our tradition and everyone celebrates it in harmony with friends and family.

 Let me share a few examples of beautiful Divas who have made a difference and created an impact in society. One such name that immediately comes to my mind is Aditi Chauhan, the captain of the Indian football team who has not only dedicated herself to the field of sports but is also encouraging young girls to join and be part of it by starting her own training academy called “She Kicks”. Another such diva I would like to mention is Pushpalatha M S, co-founder and director at GarbhaGudi which believes and works on the philosophy that “parenthood can be gifted with science and spirituality”.  Women are making great strides across the world and in fact, this year we have two ladies who have won the Noble Prize in Chemistry  Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna “for the development of a method for genome editing.”

This brings me to point out the article mentioned on Money control.com, dated 6^th October 2020 which states that there has been 8% rise in cases of sexual harassment cases in India in the 50 + companies that have been listed on the NIFTY only during the first quarter of FY 2020. There have been many cases that have been recently reported of workplace and sexual harassment by woman employees even during the lockdown period. That said, there are positive changes happening in terms of corporate houses incorporating policies regarding gender diversity and the government also working to ensure that they provide woman equal opportunities.

The government has also enacted various laws to not only empower but also protect woman and their dignity. One such act is The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace, (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal), Act 2013.The main purpose of this Act is not only to give woman the power to speak up for something that is wrong but to be courageous to dream and step outside their house. The Act empowers all woman in India who are working be it a at client site; or in a company provided taxi; a company guest house or even at a company’s team building retreat at a five star hotel. If a hideous act occurs by any employee, then she can report and file a complaint. The act is very exhaustive in its definition of workplace and ensures the safety of the complainant.

Each of the days of Navratri are celebrated for the true spirit of victory of evil. Today in our present day society, I believe that we  will have victory if we are able to overcome the evils plaguing some of the girls of our country namely, violence, infanticide, child marriage, dowry, inequality, etc. just to name a few. Our victory as a country would emerge if we as a society come together and stop these evil practices. I consciously believe that both men and woman should not only be aware of their rights but also act responsibly and ensure that their behaviour at workplace does not create any hostile environment. Let’s all pledge in this auspicious week to treat every woman who is part of our life both professionally or as part of family  equally and give her respect, dignity and create a positive change in India.