BENGALURU, Nov 9 : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made bold remarks countering the “patriarchy” narrative in Indian society, pointing to the legacy of Indira Gandhi and other female leaders who overcame challenges and excelled without being hindered by patriarchal barriers.
In an interaction with students organised at JAIN (Deemed-to-be) University here on Saturday, Sitharaman argued that terms like “patriarchy” have become popular among leftist circles but lack basis in the achievements of countless Indian women, including those who have excelled in the political and scientific fields.
“Who stopped Mrs Indira Gandhi from becoming the Prime Minister of this country?” Sitharaman asked, also invoking freedom fighters like Aruna Asaf Ali and Sarojini Naidu as examples of women who rose to prominence in a supposedly male-dominated society.
She urged young minds to resist “fantastic jargons” that place blame on patriarchy, asserting that it is “impossible, certainly not in a country like India” to prevent individuals from succeeding if they stand firm.
Highlighting the accomplishments of women scientists at ISRO who have broken through perceived barriers, Sitharaman stated, “Women are sending such wonderful satellites and rockets and spaceships. And most of those women are like you and me ? wearing sarees, sporting long and clumsy hair. But they are doing fantastic work.”
Sitharaman further contended that many leftist narratives persist because of a lack of intellectual engagement, calling for substantial answers to counter simplistic ideological rhetoric. (UNI)
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