Mangalore Fanatics: Vultures of culture

First person: Students' Notebook

Moira Dawa Delhi

What is it with Pramod Muthalik and his fanatic clan? What is it that threatens not just the sheer existence but also the peace of mind of these men?  Rummage for answers and you find none. It's funny how grown men choose to act like bullies. They deserved to be spanked and sent back home to their mommies. But the point here is that we are dealing with big men and their even bigger egos. Why Muthalik takes upon himself the burden of being the custodian of the hallowed Indian culture and morality is beyond me. What must be his idea of culture, of morality, of virtue? I don't know. But how many of us do want to know. None I guess.

There is a sacred document, no not the Gita, but the Indian Constitution which promises to all citizens, yes women too, the freedom of speech and expression, of movement throughout the territory of India and protection of life and personal liberty. This is not privileged information but commonplace knowledge. The women in the pub in Mangalore had every right to be where they were, they were breaking no rules, infringing on no one's rights. Their attackers on the other hand were in breach of every law in the book.

The decree of the self appointed guardians of all things sacred and profound is that women should not drink or smoke. It is, they say, against our tradition and culture. If you drive up to the Himalayan 'Dev Bhumi' - the land of the gods, the undulating hills of Himachal Pradesh, on every nook and corner you will spot old women puffing away at their beedies and dragging at their hookahs in the lazy afternoons. Women in most villages drink and have beeen doing so so for ages. It is a part of their daily existence, their traditional culture and never questioned. Don't get me wrong, I agree, drinking and smoking are definitely not the best habits to pick up purely for health reasons. But as long as we are living in a free country and not breaking any laws we are free to do as we please. And no one has the right to barge into a public place and attack me if I don't conform to his idea of  medieval barbarism.

The problem arises when a woman is made the symbol of family honour and pride. Any slip-ups and she has to pay for it, often with her life. There is no redemption. There are no second chances. Why is it that every time, the burden of responsibility is silently left at the doorstep of the woman?

The writer is a student of Development Communication, MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi