WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN, SOCIALIST, SECULAR, DEMOCRATIC, REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:

JUSTICE, social, economic and political;

LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;

EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all

FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;

IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

The above preamble states that the Indian Constitution gives justice, liberty, equality and fraternity to all its citizens, including women. But seeing today’s scenario, are women really enjoying all these rights?

Is there any justice for all the women who without gaining due respect, sacrifice at every stage?

Is there any liberty for women to think, act and behave exactly as they want?

Do women enjoy equal rights in society?

Is the dignity of women always taken care of in our society?

India is regarded as a free country since 1947 but its freedom does not include women. Here are 10 reasons why Indian women are yet not free:

• Indian women are still treated as ‘The Others’ in society which holds the secondary position in society.

• They are still expected to be well-mannered, soft-spoken and to be in their limits, sacrificing for everyone, every time.

• They are allowed to work but again, they have to be in their homes before 7.

• Certain mind-sets like women are bad drivers, they cannot deal with hardest situation without men, they cannot do multi-tasking activities, etc. stops women from moving out of their restricted zones.

• If she dreams of her future and career, then she again has to dream in limits thinking of everyone around her.

• Special wards, privileges and services are provided to women like for instance ladies compartment in local trains, girls’ schools and colleges, girls’ gym etc. All these facilities rather curb their self-confidence by making them realize that the men’s zone is not safe for them.

• Usually they don’t get power in their hands which nullify their strength of decision-making.

• During menstruation, they are not allowed to carry certain activities and some people even believe in not touching them too.

• Certain fields are just meant for men like martial art, kick-boxing, army or air-force etc. where women are almost absent.

• Technologies have modernized and restructured but however people of India still lives in the ear of Ramayana, where every woman is expected to be Sita even if men are Ravans.

Indian taboos just ignore the inner voice of a woman. If she becomes mother before marriage then she is said to be a whore and if she doesn’t conceive after marriage then also she gets the title of having a barren womb. She is not free to make her own decisions which if given then she can find her own self in true sense. We forget one thing that even she can do, if trusted. The only blunder which we Indians have not only adopted but are also living it is that we live in a free country and we are free. The truth is far away from it.

We are not free from our non-sense taboos and old beliefs. The day when people come out of their ill views and philosophies, accepting ‘The Others’ as human beings having emotions and feelings, that very day would be the day of freedom when we can call ourselves proud free citizens of a free country.

So, this Independence Day, Should We really say Happy Independence Day to Women???? The answer is yours to decide.