The Price of Women's Modesty

In the Mahabharata, the disrobing of Draupadi in the Kuru Sabha stands as one of the most shameful moments in history. A woman’s modesty was put at stake in a room full of powerful men, and their silence was deafening. That incident wasn’t just about one woman; it was about the dignity of every woman in society. The result? A war that changed the course of history.

Fast forward to today, and while wars aren’t being fought over women’s modesty in the same way, dignity is still up for sale. Recently, the news about women's modesty being commodified at the Kumbh Mela is alarming. In a place of faith and devotion, where people seek purity, women’s safety and dignity are being exploited for money. What have we come to as a society when we allow this?

And then comes the everyday reality—women stepping out of their homes with a constant sense of vigilance. Whether it’s a crowded festival, a late-night commute, or even a simple walk in the park, safety remains a question mark. The irony is painful: in an era of rapid progress, where we talk about AI, space travel, and groundbreaking innovations, we still haven’t ensured that a woman can move freely without fear.

So, what’s the way forward?

• Accountability: Just like the silence of the Kuru Sabha was an endorsement of injustice, our silence today enables perpetrators. We must speak up and demand action.
• Education and Awareness: Respect for women isn’t a social trend; it must be ingrained in every household, every institution, and every law enforcement agency.
• Stronger Laws and Implementation: Rules exist, but are they enforced? A deterrent is only effective if people believe in its consequences.
• Community Responsibility: Safety is not just a ‘women’s issue.’ It’s everyone’s issue. Families, workplaces, and social spaces must take collective responsibility.

If history has taught us anything, it’s that ignoring the dignity of women leads to destruction. We don’t need another Mahabharata to remind us of that. We need change, and we need it now.