tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80283068627445326542024-02-19T06:46:24.592-08:00Reema KaulReema Kaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16888345080126786615noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028306862744532654.post-44144408760412856362013-08-30T23:10:00.001-07:002013-08-30T23:10:52.046-07:00Syrian Crisis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The United States made clear on
Friday that it would punish Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for the
"brutal and flagrant" chemical weapons attack that it says killed
more than 1,400 people in Damascus last week.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A U.S. strike in Syria may have
severe repercussions. It may get the United States enmeshed in an inter-ethnic
Syrian conflict. It might spark an international crisis with anti-American
superpowers Russia and China. It could cause Bashar Assad to act in an
irrational manner against his pro-American neighbors. The chance of Israel
being attacked is rather low, as is the chance of the Middle East bursting into
flames, but when one chooses a violent course of action in a region full of
nitroglycerin, one can never anticipate the outcome. One must be prepared for
the unexpected.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There's no choice left for the US,
because we are human beings, and as such we cannot stand by while other human
beings are executed with poison gas. We cannot sit passively when we see the
bleeding women and children of east Damascus. The new international order in
the wake of World War II was meant to ensure that genocide would not happen
again, and that the horrific scenario of death by gassing would not be repeated.
But Syria did break this order. Any lack of action at this point in time, in
the face of ghastly images, would signify a loss of basic humanity. As a moral
superpower, the United States cannot refrain from acting against the mass
murderer from Damascus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> After the end of the Cold War the world became
a global village based on the assumption that we're all linked to the same
economy, that we all share common values, that we are all subject to one basic
set of principles. The international community and international law became the
anchor of international order, enabling the international market to function in
a manner that promoted growth and values of freedom throughout the globe. When Syria
used chemical warheads in east Damascus, murdering its citizens, it also
shattered international law and stripped the notion of an "international
community” of any meaning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Chemical weapons were introduced in
the beginning of the 20th century, and nuclear arms were introduced in the
middle of the 20th century. The greatest diplomatic success of the last few
decades has been preventing the use of both. In the 21st century it will be
very difficult to maintain this vital record of success. Therefore, in order to
prevent the complete breakdown of the international system that has stabilized
the world over the last 25 years, action is called for. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What has happened in Syria can be
followed by others tomorrow. It is imperative to prove to him and those of his
ilk that the world will not tolerate this insanity and the world knows how to
defend its core human values.</span></div>
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Reema Kaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16888345080126786615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028306862744532654.post-28862144124292991962013-08-30T10:35:00.004-07:002013-08-30T23:13:24.184-07:00"Kahwa" - Traditional Kashmiri Aromatic Tea<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">For Kashmiris scattered all over the globe, it carries the nip of a lost
homeland. But for others like me who come across the real taste of it
occasionally, this fragrant tea is a seed of solace.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Kahwa, also called “mogil chay”, a vino-coloured tea topped with almond
parings, has helped Kashmiris beat the winter chill. Though I have had it
several times at my residence in Mumbai, far from my homeland, it lacked that
typical aroma that might be left in the lanes of long-lost Kashmir when made in
a not-so-typical way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">Kahwa is a traditional green tea consumed in Afganistan, northern<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Pakistan</span>, some regions of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Central Asia as well as<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Kashmir Valley. In Pakistan, it
is made in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Gilgit-Baltistan regions. It is
a popular breakfast tea among Kashmiris and is generally accompanied with
special Kashmiri bakery items.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Kashmiri
Pandit migrants living in the North Indian Plains have also
contributed to the tea's popularity among non-Kashmiris in recent times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 115%;">Even though exact origins of kehwa are still unclear, most Kashmiris
believe that the aromatic traditional drink kahwa dates back to times
immemorial & has been a part of local consumption for ages. Certain sources
also trace the origins of the drink to the Yarkand valley in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Xinjiang </span>Area (Areas of
Kashmir & Xinjiang were part of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Kushan
Empire during the 1st & 2nd century AD. It is likely that use of
kehwa & its spread from one region to another was facilitated & popularized
in these regions during the Kushan rule).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
tea is made by boiling green tea leaves with<span class="apple-converted-space"> saffron
</span>strands,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>cinnamon<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>bark and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>cardamom and occasionally Kashmiri
roses to add a great aroma. Generally, it is served with<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>sugar<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>or<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>honey
and crushed nuts - usually<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>almonds.
Some varieties are made as a herbal infusion only, without the green tea
leaves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Traditionally, Kahwa is prepared in a brass kettle known as Samavar
which consists of a "fire-container" running as a central cavity, in
which live coals are placed keeping the tea perpetually hot. Around the
fire-container there is a space for water to boil and the tea leaves and other
ingredients are mixed with the water. Kahwa may also be made in normal pans and
vessels, as modern day urban living may not always permit the use of elaborate
samavars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kahwa is usually served to guests or as part of a
celebration dinner, and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Saffron
is added for special visitors. It is often served in tiny, shallow cups –
traditionally in ‘Khosas’. Sometimes milk is also added to kahwa, but this is
generally given to the elderly or the sick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>INGREDIENTS
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</u>2 teaspoons Green tea<br />
2 cloves<br />
3 cardamoms<br />
1 stick cinnamon<br />
3 almonds, chopped<br />
1-2 pinches saffron<br />
3 tsp sugar/ honey (or as per taste)<br />
3 cups water <u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>PREPARATION
METHOD</b><br />
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</u>Pour 3 cups of water in a vessel and
bring to a boil.<br />
Add cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and sugar. <u><br />
</u>Stir on low heat until sugar dissolves.<u><br />
</u>Simmer the water for 3 minutes, keeping the vessel covered.<br />
Add the green tea leaves and immediately turn off the heat.<br />
Let the tea sit in the water for a minute. (For a strong flavor you can leave
the tea in water for 2-3 minutes)<u><br />
</u>Divide the almonds and saffron and place in the tea cups.<u><br />
</u>Pour the tea over the saffron and almond pieces.<u><br />
</u>Serve hot. (serves 2 – 3 cups)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HEALTH
BENEFITS OF KAHWA</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->It is caffeine free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->It is a fat burner and digestive drink
that improves concentration and fights stress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->This drink energizes and has a warming
effect. It is particularly beneficial to drink Kahwa in the cold winter night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->It helps to relieve headache and
maintain fluid level in the body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">·<span style="line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Green tea is an excellent anti-oxidant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Reema Kaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16888345080126786615noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028306862744532654.post-12913640756686679452013-08-30T08:55:00.004-07:002013-08-30T08:55:33.024-07:00Ending the Rape impunity...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">India’s rape epidemic has recently come into full
and grotesque view. Nirbhaya’s story has simply been repeated within just 8
months. And looking at the statistics it seems it could happen again, and again
and again…. WHY?? <b>Simply because too
many people in authority continue to blame the victim rather than punishing the
accused. </b>Until there is fundamental shift in these attitudes such stories
will simply repeat. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 2012 alone there were over 635 reported
rapes in Delhi – and only one person was convicted. Over 24,000 women are raped
annually in India, and the real total is likely over 200,000 given that the
vast majority of attacks go unreported. Rape is rampant, and the fastest
growing serious crime, with an increase of 875% in the last four decades. The
media, social groups, women activists, and the youth of the country came up
with many protests, strikes and various other shows of anger but these laudable
initiatives are unlikely to cure the rape epidemic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A more profound and comprehensive strategy is
needed. Experts on gender-based violence agree that it thrives in a culture of
misogyny. Prevailing cultural attitudes among offenders and their peer groups,
law enforcement and other authorities, and communities and victims’ families
play a central role in enabling and permitting rape and many other crimes
against women to be carried out so frequently and with impunity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
our country needs today is a mass public education program on this serious
issue. There is extensive evidence that such programs can have a significant
impact on popular cultural attitudes and behavior.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Few examples are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Between 2009 and 2011, a ramped-up
public education campaign played an essential role in India’s eradication of polio.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">India’s Bell Bajao campaign achieved
dramatic increase in awareness of laws and discussion on domestic violence, as
well as women’s willingness to seek legal help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The social awareness program on the
use of condoms has helped in reducing the spread of AIDS and other STDs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The government of California reduced cigarette
sales by over 230 million packs in just two years with a massive public education
campaign.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These examples and many others show that where
there is the will, resources and competence to do the job well, public education
can be a game-changer for social problems that often prove resistance to other
methods. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Challenging the impunity around rape is crucial.
But while India must improve criminal laws and law enforcement, this is not enough
to stem the crisis. It is estimated that as many as 90% of rape cases go
unreported, putting the actual number of attacks in India well above 200,000
per year or more. Facing such a crisis of under reporting, prevention must be
part of the solution – with the fire treated at source rather than in the
courts. While journalists and politicians talk tough on jail terms and
punishment, the most effective and direct way to deal with this cancer is a
mass public education campaign.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a survey conducted by the Hindustan Times
shortly after the Delhi gang rape, 92% of male respondents said some or all of
their friends had harassed women in public spaces, and despite the gruesome
rape the capital had just witnessed, 65% of the male respondents said the
problem of sexual harassment was exaggerated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These statistics show how prevalent these
attitudes have become. Only by launching campaigns that shift mindsets and change
the overall environment can new behavioral norms be created. Such a campaign
could stop citizens from committing acts of sexual violence themselves, stop them
tolerating this behavior in others, make them more likely to intervene when
they encounter it and support such interventions by others. Ordinary citizens
are already coming together online to pledge
what they will do to change their individual behavior, but widespread cultural
change requires a concerted and society-wide effort, led and funded by the
government. Only such a commitment can scale the individual commitments and momentum
to the level of a nationwide shift.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mass public education and advertising campaigns
have been statistically proven to overcome social barriers and change entrenched
beliefs that many deemed unchangeable. Only a government-led mass education
campaign will create an India safe for women. The pervasiveness of negative attitudes
towards women that underlie the terrible problem of widespread sexual assault
and rape in India cannot be reduced by stricter laws and tougher enforcement
alone – these do not challenge the root cause of the problem. A mass nationwide
education campaign that understands the social causes of this violence, tackles
misogynistic views head-on, and teaches Indian youth the value of all girls and
women in Indian society is the key to reducing the epidemic of sexual violence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To end the war on women, the government must now prioritize
this policy. Only by taking the lead to champion and resource this campaign can
the Indian government ensure it reaches the country’s schools, fills the
nation’s airwaves, and ultimately results in a deep-seated shift in social
attitudes towards violence against women. We have never seen so many people out
in the streets for women’s rights. There has never been such an extraordinary
moment of opportunity, or such an overwhelming public mandate for bold action.
If not now, when??<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Reema Kaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16888345080126786615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028306862744532654.post-16830532528418237722013-02-22T05:09:00.001-08:002013-02-22T05:09:54.663-08:00The Journey From Purdah To Bikini....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The
status of Women in India has surely been subject to many changes in the last millennia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Over
the ages, we have been treated as the sole property of our fathers, brothers or
husbands; while denying any choice or freedom of our own.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">We
all say times are changing and undoubtedly there has been a change in our
condition overtime. There was an era when we were confined to household work,
were illiterate and had no say in the decision making process. All this has
definitely improved, particularly in Urban India. But has the so called modern
society accepted it completely. We are “Modern Women” living in this so called
modern world. But when will this society actually become modern. When would we
be allowed to take our own decisions and do what we want to do? When would we
be known by our own individual identity rather than being known as someone's
daughter, sister or wife? Even after having adorned high offices and power, we
continue to face discrimination and other social challenges, and are often
victims of abuse and violent crimes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Scholars
believe that in ancient India, Women enjoyed <strong>“equal status” </strong>with men in
all fields of life. They were educated, taught warfare and even married at a
mature age with a free will to select their husband. Few scriptures such as the
<strong>Rig Veda </strong>also mention several women sages and seers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">However,
later the status of women started to decline (around 500 B.C.). With the
Islamic invasion of Babur and the Mughal Empire, women's freedom and rights
were curtailed and they started facing confinement and restrictions. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Our
position in the society further deteriorated during the medieval period <strong>(also
known as Dark Ages),</strong> when practices such as <strong>SATI, JAUHAR, DEVADASI,
CHILD MARRIAGE, DOWRY & BAN ON WIDOW REMARRIAGES</strong> became part of our
social life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The
Islamic conquest in the Indian subcontinent brought the <strong>PURDAH</strong> system in
our society. Polygamy was widely practiced among both Muslim and Hindu rulers. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">In
spite of all these conditions, few women excelled in their field of politics,
literature, education and religion.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">During
the British Raj, many reformers fought for the upliftment of women. Raja Ram
Mohan Roy's efforts led to the abolition of the SATI practice in 1829. Ishwar
Chandra Vidyasagar's crusade for the improvement in conditions of widows led to
the Widow Remarriage Act of 1856.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">We
saw a lot of women participate in the fight for freedom against the British. In
1929, the Child Marriage Restraint Act was passed. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">From
equal status with men in ancient times, through the low points of the medieval
period to yet again the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the
history of women in India has been eventful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Women
in Independent India today participate in all activities like education,
sports, politics, media, art & culture, service sectors, science &
technology etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The
Constitution Of India guarantees to all Indian women – Equality, no
discrimination by the state, equality of opportunity, equal pay for work, and
in addition it renounces practices derogatory to the dignity of women.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The
feminist activism in India picked up momentum in the late 70’s. Female
activists united over issues such as female infanticide, gender bias, women
health and female literacy. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>The
Government of India declared 2001 as the year of Women’s Empowerment
(Swashakti).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">On
9<sup>th</sup> March 2010, a day after the International Women’s Day,
Rajyasabha passed the Women’s Reservation Bill (a major landmark in the path to
success for women in India) – ensuring 33% reservation to women in Parliament
and State Legislative bodies.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The
women of modern India underwent a major and long needed change in their lives
due to various reform activities undertaken for their upliftment. We were
finally able to come out from the submissive roles assigned to us by society
and emerge as free and independent individuals with our own distinct
identities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">But
even now the status of women in modern India is a sort of a paradox. If on one
hand we are at the peak of the ladder of success, on the other hand we are
mutely suffering violence – both mental and physical afflicted by sometimes our
own people – family, relatives and friends and at other times by the unknown.
We may have achieved a lot but yet have to travel along a long road. We have
left the secured domain of our homes and are out in the battlefield of life,
fully armoured with our talent, confidence and will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">
What baffles me most is the fact that while we women are achieving all this, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>it is
disorienting for the stereotypical Indian man to see us emerge from the “purdah”
and donning jeans and skirts and yes sometimes even bikinis.<o:p></o:p></strong></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">He
seems to be disturbed with the fact that - we have left behind the “aangan” of
our homes and are battling it out in the corporate/ political field. We have
changed roles from being the “family cook” to the credit card flashing customer
at a fancy resto bar. And he finds it difficult to accept that we are not just
born to play a role to him, but to also be someone in our own right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The
question is, why does it seem so difficult for the conventional Indian male to
accept this – because he feels threatened, that his power, importance and role
as master and lord would diminish if he gives too much freedom to women.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">We
go to school, technical and management institutes. We occupy the top positions
in the corporate and political world. We are equal to our male counterparts. We
are confident and modern. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><strong>More importantly, we are independent and
free. We are nobody but the modern Indian women.</strong></i> But I say we would
attain total freedom only when the men of this modern society walk with us,
support us, nurture us and motivate us to strive for more, to strive for
success.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">We
would only progress when, the progressive Indian male gets adjusted to and is
thrilled that his “housewife” now looks beyond her kitchen and the neighbours’
affairs and is interested in and updated with the world affairs, her creative pursuits,
attends classes ranging from pottery to dance, exercises, looks good, is
fashionable and has free will to exercise over matters concerning her own self.
She is someone he can talk to, discuss with, drink and enjoy with, depend on
and most importantly - respect. Today’s woman proudly holds on to traditions
but not the subordinate status anymore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The
change has come, and the change will come if we stop advocating to young girls
and women of this country that to be dominated and passive are feminine
virtues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The
desire of an Indian woman can be summed up in the following lines written by an
African woman:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I have only one request,<o:p></o:p></i></strong></span><br />
<strong>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I do not ask
for money<o:p></o:p></span></i></strong><br />
<strong>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Although I have
need for it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></strong><br />
<strong>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I do not ask
for meat,<o:p></o:p></span></i></strong><br />
<strong>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I have only
one request.<o:p></o:p></span></i></strong><br />
<strong>
</strong><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><strong>And all I ask
is<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i></div>
<strong>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">That you
remove<o:p></o:p></span></i></strong><br />
<strong>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The road block<o:p></o:p></span></i></strong><br />
<strong>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">From my path…..”<o:p></o:p></span></i></strong><br />
</div>
Reema Kaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16888345080126786615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8028306862744532654.post-9535967864561991962013-02-20T04:21:00.001-08:002013-02-20T04:22:27.544-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Hey ya everyone....</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Whew! I can't believe I finally have a moment to sit down and write an introductory post for this blog, I've been meaning to for literally months now. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Well I'm an Investment Professional from Mumbai, and have been working here in the financial capital since the past 8 years. Originally, I come from Dehradun – the capital of beautiful and charismatic Uttarakhand. <br />Life changes from one extreme to another between the two cities and I try to take out the best for myself from both.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>I have travelled quite a few places around, but i believe there's a lot yet to explore, experience and uncover. My interests vary from Photography to Travelling to Reading and to this newly acquired interest about Writing. In my posts going further I'd like to write on random subjects and articles related to my areas of interest.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>I am very glad to welcome you readers that spontaneously found out my blog on the wild, huge world of the internet and I hope you would like and appreciate my posts and give your valuable feedback on the subject and my writing. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Bookman Old Style, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>With this I sign off for now, and would be back soon with some interesting and exciting post.</b></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
Reema Kaulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16888345080126786615noreply@blogger.com0