ANNA THOMAS S6 EIE
‘Hey look at what that’girl is wearing. Does’t she realize that she is in Kerala?’ I bet that nearly all the girls would have heard of this comment when they go out in a fashionable dress which they have yearned to wear for long and the comments come from total strangers. Isn’t that quite irritating and a bit unwarranted!!! We live in a era where anything and everything is available at our fingertips. Kerala is progressive in almost everything - intellectually, academically and in the health sector as well. We have the best of talents from amongst our doctors, engineers, businessmen, social workers and other renowned personalities. We are known to accord a comparatively better status to women and female infanticide is quite unknown here with girls outnumbering boys as compared to other states. The list of Kerala’s
achievements vis-a-vis women’s empowerment are endless yet why is it that we are so narrow minded and petty when it cames to accepting changes and moving on with the new world.? Though we have all evolved much in regard to both thought and concept, women are still treated more or less like slaves. Women are expected to maintain a perfect balance between keeping a hectic schedule at the workplace and to cook and clean for the family at home. They most cerainly do strive to maintain a balance between both better than any juggler in a circus. Instead of being appreciated for what they do they are actually scorned at. Traditional values and rules have to be respected though times are changing and people need to move with this change. Traffic rules were made to protect people but if we continue to practice those outdated traffic rules that were brought into play fifty years ago then it’s not going to be a big surprise if we hear about
accidents every other day. Traffic rules have changed with the times (I do hope so!!). Likewise it’s high time that we reconsider our lives and stop being so narrow minded. Let respect and appreciation for women start at home at a youger age initiated by the parents!! Future of Kerala lies in the hands of the young generation coming awake. They are the ones who are going to mould the future and without proper guidance from their elders what they create can fall apart. We can makes a huge difference if we join our hands and hearts together and take a vow to change our attitude towards everything. So keep one thing in mind "Most people are right but only from their point of view”. A change of view to usher in a new tomorrow that promises a better deal for women is thus the need of the hour.