The most condemnable incident of rape and murder of a 31-year-old medical trainee has caused unprecedented outrage all over the country. Since August 9 not only the citizens of Kolkata but all conscientious citizens of the country have been up in arms against such heinous crimes. This ghastly crime has brought to light the moral degradation and spurt in crimes which we have been facing. It is deeply disturbing that in spite of our claims of becoming more civilized, our women are unsafe not only at workplaces and public spaces but also at home, at educational institutions, in towns, villages and all other places. This sad situation cannot be changed unless we as a people inculcate stronger moral and ethical values in our society.
Religious leaders of all denominations must think anew about their failure in promoting a solid foundation for basic moral values. There is a clear lack of respect for human dignity, especially in the case of women. In this regard a negative and destructive attitude has been promoted by the way women are portrayed in films and literatures. Besides, a lot of pornographic material is available for the young generation which makes them think that women are just like sex objects and playthings. Because of this negative thinking, lechery, debauchery, sex outside marriage and assaults on women are on the increase. The divinely prescribed institution of marriage is under unprecedented stress. Free and irresponsible sex outside marriage is gaining ground. The tolerance of and legal sanction to live-in relationships has lowered the status of women. Now more people are for casual sex and not for marriage and responsible life.
The second factor is the insensitivity of our law enforcing institutions and the irresponsible attitude of political parties. A crime is a crime and a criminal must be dealt with in accordance with the law of the land, without any consideration of his position, religious or political connection.
There are innumerable instances of questionable protection to rapists provided by political intervention. Incidents at Kathua, Unnao, Hathras, etc. come to our mind in this regard. How rape was used in the infamous riots in Gujarat in 2002 is also fresh in our memory. How law was misused to protect the rapists in BilkisBano case and how the Supreme Court had to intervene in this case can never be forgotten. There are allegations that such factors are at play in Kolkata. If it is so, it is very unfortunate and condemnable.
If we want to free our country from such heinous crimes and moral diseases, we as a nation should embark on a comprehensive campaign of reformation, self-purificationand moral rearmament. We are now the most populous country of the world. Our leaders assure us day in and day out that we will soon become not only the leader of the world materially but also the leader of civilization. How can we achieve this position when morally we are so corrupt and criminal-minded?
Remember what our former President Radhakrishnan had said to us: Material development without moral development is destructive. We are now standing at the doorsteps of that destruction. We are inviting total destruction and depravation by our irresponsible behaviour.
It is the most important responsibility of all citizens, social scientists, opinionmakers, religious and political leaders to join hands and start a movement of restructuring of society on moral foundations.
Justice to one and all, strict observation of precepts and rules, implementation of rule of law without fear or favour and severe punishments to criminals and law breakers should be our motto.