By IANS,
Bhubaneswar: The time has come to give due honour and dignity to the Indian woman, and for this there has to be a mindset change in society, Odisha Governor Murlidhar C. Bhandare has said.
“(We have to) bring a positive change in the attitude and mindset towards women in society,” the governor said in a speech late Friday here.
He noted that despite several legislations and constitutional provisions to ensure women’s rights, “we find women continue to be harassed and exploited”.
The governor was taking part in an event organised by the Theosophical Order of Service. He also released on the occasion a book, “Living Courageously”, by spiritual therapist Lipa Rath.
Bhandare referred to the Dec 16 gang-rape in Delhi of a young woman who died 13 days later in Singapore.
The horrific incident not “only drew the attention of the whole country but also united everyone in condemning this inhuman act in strong words.
“It is high time to put an end to all forms of harassment towards our daughters, sisters and mothers and protect their honour and dignity which is seen fast declining in our society…”
“Every one of us has a role to play and it is our duty and responsibility to stop violence against women and protect their honour and dignity. We can bring change and that spirit needs to be kindled in every heart.”
The governor said that Indian women were far ahead of males in education.
“In terms of brainpower, women have shown the world that they are equal and even superior to males,” he said.
“If we look at Higher Secondary and Secondary Board Examination results, we find girls outnumber boys in the toppers’ list. In universities, their number is more than boys. They have proved their superiority…
“But these achievements have to be multiplied to thousand times to ensure women empowerment a reality.”
He lauded Mahabharat Group of the Theosophical Order of Service (Odisha Region) for launching a project, “Can we not change our mindset and stop violence against women.”
The Theosophical Society was founded by Anne Besant.