The Republic Day celebrations in the country featured the Chief Guest as the highlight of the day with French President Emmanuel Macron the notable figure to grace the occasion. The State tableaus were eagerly anticipated as a major attraction. Regrettably, tableaus from certain states were excluded from the showpiece with the focus predominantly centred on showcasing the might of military power and its defence capabilities.
The limelight was on Nari Shakti this year. The parades, march pasts, the bands, and tableaus were dominated entirely by a cast of women and prominently led by women as it was India's women power down the Kartavya path. Women on daring motorcycle stunts stunned the audience. They were a thrilling experience, equaling men with perfection and grit. For the first time, women piloted aircraft in its formations, which is a big leap forward. Women are now participants at all levels in the armed forces, and merit, not gender, is the criteria for upward movements.
However, the importance and respect for women must filter down at all levels of social structure. Their role should not be confined to childbearing, rearing, and household chores. The drudgery of women needs to be addressed so that they can find an equal place and opportunities in society.
Featuring women must not be a showpiece limited to Republic Day functions. Crimes against women, dowry deaths, rapes, child marriages, trafficking of women, exploitation for commercial promotions, entertainment, equal pay for equal work, the right to inheritance, widow rehabilitation, foeticide of female embryos, education, health, and nutrition for expectant mothers must be addressed on a priority. "Beti Padhao Beti Bachao" has not advanced beyond being a mere slogan, judging by atrocities on women in India, especially among the downtrodden and of lower caste. Only some recognition is now available legally in politics, etc.
