Yesterday one of my friend had visited my home with her friend. My friend belongs to a very typical JAT community of Haryana and her friend belongs to an orthodox community “Vishnoi”. We talked on several topics. As my friend lives in a village nearby my town, she invited me to visit her village. She asked “ Malabika, have you ever seen our village life?” I replied that though I haven’t visited any village in Haryana yet, I have seen the lives of women in Haryana. They work very hard the whole day – bring drinking water, fire wood, food grains, food for their cattle, cutting the fire wood along with their as usual works like cooking, looking after their kids and other family members, washing cloths and many more. I have seen the differences between the village life in Assam and the village life in Haryana. I have seen the men sit all the day on charpai smoking Hookah and playing cards. Their duty is only to earn money either by selling food grains or some other way.
My friend said –“ You are absolutely right. Our village
women are quite weaker than the urban women. In some communities, women don't
have freedom – freedom to think, freedom to speak or freedom to express their
feelings. Men think women are only to do their daily works and to give birth of
their kids. If any girl has got
education in higher level than it has become a painful job to find out right
match for her. Most of village boys don’t want to finish even their school
education as they get enough property. Also they would get a car, cash and gold
from their In- Laws. So why to waste their time and money for studies!”
How pathetic! Yeah I myself have seen in some communities,
where ladies are not allowed to come out of the house gate even. Friend of my
friend said – “The Vishnoi Community,
which I belong is very tough. I am an educated person living in town, but still
I have to be in Ghungat whenever I visit my in-laws place in village. We are
not allowed to come in front of any male member of our family. We are not
allowed to speak much even.” I was listening to their views turn by turn. The
lady is a mother of two growing up kids.
While talking the lady became emotional and said – “Though we are
talking about women empowerment and education in our state, only GOD knows when
people will be educated in real term!” I answered –“Don’t worry, we are the
people. Only we can change the scenario generation by generation. These issues you
won’t repeat with your next generation. Thus we can change the views of our
society.” My friend replied – “Absolutely! Hope for the best always.” We smiled
altogether.
After their leaving, I felt relaxed. I thought the Punjabi
Community where I am married, is open minded and moving towards. But I am sure
that I will not let the issues repeat which I don’t like with my next
generation!!! All is well J
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