The Hindu Business Line : Forceless argument about doing without women

Think global, act local. That's the management mantra to emphasise that companies can ensure their global future by succeeding locally first. The mantra that guides most of our elected netas, however, seems to be `Think local, act national,' says Ray, a reader. "These leaders are ostensibly in charge of larger areas of operation, concerning the whole country, but we find them jumping into limelight only when their own constituency has a problem."

Is that to ensure their national future by succeeding locally first, I wonder? While there can be nothing wrong about being vociferous when an issue concerns the people who elected you, it would only be fair if a similar verve were displayed for the others too.

Another mail in the inbox is about academic corruption. Shaan, the letter-writer, speaks of how top posts in universities are politicised, thus tarnishing the image of the institution. "Do you know there's a `tariff' for how much has to be paid for each favour, be it inspection for approval, or internal examination; be it an invitation to speak, or a contract to clean?" he asks. "Why is it that the media doesn't write anything other than the relatively minor aberrations such as question paper leaks?" Evidence is key, Shaan.

Saxena, a senior company secretary, points out that many land deals are in the deep freeze because of disputes hanging fire at the Registration Department. He suggests that by extending the short-lived `Samadhaan' scheme, the Government can add speed to real estate transactions. A subject worth investigating in depth.

Hot topic of debate, however, is about women officers in the defence forces. Citing the much-publicised quote of Army Vice-Chief that the force could `do without women', Bina Nair mails in to ask if there is no place for women in the army. "It is unfortunate that we are talking about this after having lost a gold-medallist Lt Sushmita Chakraborty, in what is said to be the first ever incident of a lady officer committing suicide in the armed forces," she rues.

Was it depression or disillusionment? Or a case of being let down by limited options?

"Despite the fact that women became a regular part of the Indian army over a decade ago, they continue facing under-utilisation of skills, loneliness and discrimination in a male-dominated force," write Zaffar Iqbal and Rubina Khan Shapoo on www.ndtv.com.

"In recent months there has been a spate of complaints from women officers ranging from mental torture to sexual harassment," notes the report dated June 16.

"The nationalist leaders recognised that the contribution of women was extremely important for the success of the movement, but did post-Independence India continue to recognise that contribution?" asks Suruchi Thapar-Björkert in "Women in the Indian National Movement: Unseen Faces and Unheard Voices 1930-42," from Sage (www.indiasage.com) .

The book is about how `ordinary middle-class women' were inspired by leaders like Gandhiji, and fought for Independence, despite their many constraints.

Looking back, the author asks, "Did nationalist agenda supersede the women's agenda?

Was it sidelined by other political priorities, thus making it difficult to articulate a clear agenda for themselves in post-Independence India?"

The answer doesn't seem to be an unequivocal `no'.

E&OE@TheHindu.co.in

More Stories on : Trends | Errors & Omissions Expected | Tamil Nadu

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Colours of Nature

Assistance hiked for mid-day meal

Sudoku

Football fever grips Mumbaikars

Forceless argument about doing without women