Indians pride themselves on rich cultural heritage, moral values, and progressive strides, but the persistent and harrowing issue of crimes against women stands as a stark reminder of collective failure. President Droupadi Murmu’s recent anguished plea to the nation, following the heinous August 9 rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata, forces us to confront a grim reality. Her declaration that “enough is enough” is not just a cry of despair but a clarion call for urgent, comprehensive action against the deep-rooted misogyny that plagues our society. The President’s strong words resonate with the collective frustration of a nation weary of hearing the same tragic stories replayed repeatedly. The incident in Kolkata, which has rightly sparked widespread outrage and protests, is not an isolated case. It is part of a horrifying continuum of violence against women that spans the length and breadth of the country, affecting women and girls of all ages. From the brutal gang rape of Nirbhaya in 2012 to the daily reports of sexual assault, harassment, and domestic violence, it is clear that we have not learnt our lessons.
President Murmu’s article, titled “Women’s Safety: Enough is Enough,” highlights the systemic nature of these crimes. The President rightly points out that these crimes stem from a perverted view of women as lesser beings-less powerful, less capable, less intelligent. This objectification of women is ingrained in the social fabric, a mindset that has been nurtured by generations of gender bias, cultural prejudices, and outdated practices. The President’s remarks urge society to confront these uncomfortable truths. The harsh reality is that no place in India can be considered truly safe for women. Whether in urban metropolises or rural villages, women live under the constant threat of violence. This is a national crisis that demands a national response.
Yet, as President Murmu observed, our responses to these tragedies have often been fleeting. Social protests, no matter how sincere, eventually fade away, and the incidents themselves are buried in the recesses of collective memory until another brutal crime forces us to confront our failures once more. This cycle of outrage, followed by inaction, must end. The President’s call for honest, unbiased self-introspection is critical. Society must ask the difficult questions: Where have we erred? Why do these crimes persist despite stringent laws and social campaigns? What more can we do to ensure that half of our population can live as freely as the other half?
Addressing these questions requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, there must be a shift in societal attitudes towards women. This begins with education-teaching boys and men to respect women as equals and empowering girls and women to stand up against discrimination and violence. Schools, families, and communities must play a proactive role in dismantling the gender stereotypes that contribute to the objectification of women. Furthermore, the legal and judicial systems must be strengthened to ensure swift and decisive action against perpetrators of violence. Fast-track courts for crimes against women, stringent punishment for offenders, and comprehensive support systems for victims are essential components of this effort. However, the law alone cannot change minds; society must transform.
Too often, the names of victims are forgotten as new tragedies unfold. A social culture of remembrance, as the President suggests, can help us remain vigilant and committed to preventing future atrocities. The time has come for India to face this issue head-on without resorting to the “collective amnesia” that has allowed these crimes to persist. Proactive steps must be undertaken to address the underlying causes of violence against women and work tirelessly to create a society where all women can live without fear. President Murmu’s impassioned appeal should serve as a wake-up call to every Indian. The time for complacency is over; it is time for action. Enough is enough.
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