For centuries, Hindu mythologies have placed women in the highest of pedestals. They are worshipped and considered protectors of mankind. In fact, young girls are often invited to homes and addressed as kanjaks and asked for their blessings.
But it seems times have changed. Because the irony is that while female idols are still worshipped in many parts of India, on the streets, they are considered a piece of meat.
A recent example was the New Year's eve incident that took place in Bengaluru that shook the nation (once again!). As midnight celebrations began, women and young girls were allegedly groped, molested and sexually harassed in Bengaluru’s downtown area. Incidentally, all of this was caught on tape, in front of policemen and was shown repeatedly on various media channels; but to no avail.
And, as many people voiced their concerns over the safety of women, some men came out to shame the culprits, rightly pointing out that it is the molesters who should worry and not the victims.
One such person to share a rather inspirational message was actor and father Akshay Kumar.
Sharam karo...sudhar jao
Through his Twitter and Facebook handles, the 49-year-old released a video expressing his anguish over the incident. "Sharam Karo" was the premise of his video, but he has a special message for all the girls.
The actor said that his "blood boiled" at the thought of what women must have faced that night.
"I am ashamed to be a human being today. I was returning from my New Year's vacation with my four-year-old daughter in my arms when I learnt about the molestation incident in Bangalore. I don't know how did you all feel about it, but my blood started boiling. I am a daughter's father but even if I was not one, I feel if a society cannot respect its women, it doesn't deserve to be called a humane society," he said.
He added that he felt absolutely ashamed that "some people have the guts to justify such shameful acts by criticising women for their choice of clothes."
What if it happens to your sisters?
"Why is she wearing short clothes? Why did she step out of the house in the night? Sharam karo (be ashamed)...Her clothes are not small, your thinking is. God forbid, what if the incident that happened in Bengaluru happens to your own sister or daughter? People who did this to women have not come from an other planet, they live within our society and are amongst us," he said.
"There is still time, sudhar jao (be responsible). Remember that when the daughter of this country comes back with an answer for this behaviour, you will repent. And forget about repenting then, you will directly be sent 'Up!'" he added.
He also had a special message for girls.
Continue reading his message for girls, we bet you'll get inspired too!
Akshay's message for girls
In addition to strongly addressing the issue and also reminding the culprits to repent, he also had a special message for girls.
"Do not consider yourself lesser or weaker than boys in any way. You can easily protect yourself. There are many small and easy Martial Arts techniques to overcome molesters and harassers," he said.
The doting dad also encouraged women to learn such techniques and understand that they must be strong for themselves.
He also said that the girls must give it back, if somebody tries to give them 'advice' on their clothes.
"Nobody has the right to touch you without your consent. Don't be scared, you are no less than others. Just stay alert. Learn self-defense. And yes, the next time somebody tries to advise you on the kind of clothes you should wear, ask them to mind their own business," he concluded.
Akshay's wish for his daughter
These inspirational words clearly come from an honest place, given that Kumar has stated many times that he wants his own daughter to also learn martial arts.
“She will be starting her training when she turns four, which is not too far. It is important for girls to feel that they have the confidence, and the strength to defend themselves — anytime, anywhere and against anyone. A man can’t imagine the insecurities, and the fear some women have to face on a daily basis,” he had said in the interview.
He also added, "Whether she likes it or not, she will have to learn these self-defense techniques. I already have a feeling that Nitara’s going to be a little Ninja. There is power in her big brown eyes, and I can’t wait to put that to some good use."
Just ask Akshay is trying to get his daughter to learn to physically defend herself, all Indian parents, it seems will need to do the same in the future. But self-defense is not just a necessity, it's also great for girls.
3 reasons martial arts is great for girls
- Boost confidence: When you learn to defend yourself, you realise that you can do it! That you no longer need a man's help to protect you and that you there is nothing super tricky about protecting oneself.
- It actually works: Once you start learning, you'll realise that it actually works. You can easily outrun an attacker and protect yourself. It's best to consult a professional teacher on the ways to fight back.
- You are at advantage: Yes, that's correct! It may read as though it's not, but you have an advantage simply by virtue of being called the 'weaker sex.' When your attacker doesn't know how much strength you may actually have, you can take him by surprise.
Read: 5 self-defense basics every father should teach his daughter
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[All images courtesy: Instagram]
