Nowadays one sometimes reads about incidents in India of mistreatment and disrespect of women, and that can never be condoned. However just like a few trees do not define a forest, an aberration does not define a civilisation.
It has always been in India, because it has been predominantly an agrarian society, the female the provider of all things, as mother nature, has always been revered. In such societies the female has always been respected, loved and worshipped. Indian tradition has in their society always honoured women with the highest status of which women are rightly deserving.
Somewhere along the way, this valuable lesson which kept man and nature in harmony got disturbed. Influence of alien forces and cultures industrialisation, urbanisation etc. amongst other causes has taught man that nature and hence females are to be exploited for man's convenience and pleasure. Exploitation can never bring honour, dignity or love, only submission and resentment.
Our salvation and lasting joy can come only by loving and cherishing nature, which is manifested in the female.
Culture is shaped by both tradition and historical influences, and provides us many valuable lessons. Love, trust, and respect can never be legislated, or taught. Respect for women can only be instilled in the hearts and minds of our children by the example of elders and parents in every household.
It is not possible to impose values like respect, love and trust upon individuals, nor can it be taught in classrooms. Though this is often attempted by the government, media, priests, schools, and civil society with little or no benefit except to enhance their own grandeur and power.
I can share what I have learnt.
If you are a man attempt not to understand them, rather try to cherish and respect the women in your life. If you are a woman, then accept them as imperfect yet honour, respect and care for the men in your life. If we do this the days of our life will be wholesome, because divine energies will reside along with us.
