The sun is
about to set in Delhi on what they are calling the election of the century #Election2014. In
a society park little girls between 5 to 12 years huddle by a swing for
chit-chat and play. The most important topic who wore what on which day and who
repeats her dresses most.
What's wrong with that? Probably the growing up of
our kids beyond their years faster than we imagine is what's wrong. They no
longer talk of fairy tales or games.
Thank you Indira Gandhi I mutter, whatever were the reasons or the political motivations you still inspire some hope for our girls. But the little one born only a few years ago has only seen men as presidents and Prime ministers, not her fault if she does not relate to you I argue with myself.
And then
comes the shocker, "You know only men know "kisko vote dena hai" ( who
to vote for). Why?, ask two little ones simultaneously. My dad was telling my
mom and my elder sister to vote for M****, and we must always obey our father. Papas are heads of family you know.
I peer into
my phone's screen Mulayam Singh Yadav is condoning RAPE and suddenly I do not blame the illiterate women in the
villages of UP who cast their vote where there men ask them to. I am looking
inwards, at educated women like myself and how they let go of every iota of power that they can
possibly have only for the elusive ghar ki shanti (peace at home).
From the
shacks across the boundary wall the
light of a single bulb filters through, I look at the multi-storeyed apartments
and I see their shallow core producing another generation of unaware exploited
women.
The sun has
set.
On our way back my daughter asks,"Mumma you know who I will vote for?" I tell her," You don't need to tell me or anyone its your right and only you should know."
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