The fourth season of the Bharat Literature Festival began today (26 March) at Miranda House, Delhi University, bringing together a diverse range of eminent personalities, including Upendrra Rai, CMD and Editor-in-Chief of Bharat Express, who shared his thoughts on ‘Women of the New Era’.
The Need For Women’s Empowerment
During his address, Upendrra Rai, CMD Bharat Express, posed a thought-provoking question, “Why is there still a need to create institutions and schemes to discuss women?”
He emphasized that we only discuss individuals when there is something significant to talk about, whether it’s about their success or struggle.
CMD Upendrra Rai pointed out that the voices we hear are those of the strong or the suffering as they have a compelling story to tell.
He continues, discussing the role of the middle class in societal change, noting that those at the lower rungs of society are largely immune to societal shifts.
CMD Upendrra Rai explained that true revolutions emerge from the middle class, a group that plays a critical role in shaping society.
Women’s Role In Society And Love
Bharat Express CMD delved into the nature of women and their immense capacity for love and sacrifice.
He remarked, “When a woman loves, she loves with devotion, while a man often loves with calculations.”
He believes that the disparity between men and women stems from this difference in approach to love and sacrifice, leading to the mistreatment of women throughout history.
Drawing from global examples, CMD Upendrra Rai noted that the condition of women in the US and Europe was once worse than in India, with women in those regions gaining the right to vote after Indian women.
Historical Dilemmas And Women’s Rights
Bharat Express CMD shared a historical perspective on women’s role in India, referencing ancient texts and philosophers such as Manu and Adi Shankaracharya.
While Manu described women as both revered and vilified, CMD Upendrra Rai emphasized that Indian sages struggled with understanding women’s true nature.
He stated that the conflict of values, freedom from worldly desires versus the treatment of women, has been a long-standing dilemma in Indian society.
He argued that a society cannot thrive if half of its population remains silent and helpless.
CMD Upendrra Rai emphasized that empowering women is essential for the true strength and progress of the world.
“When mothers and sisters are strong and able to stand on stage and speak, the world will become strong in the true sense,” Bharat Express CMD noted.
Personal Reflections On Family And Respect For Women
CMD Upendrra Rai shared a personal story about his marriage and family, highlighting his respect for his wife’s autonomy.
He explained how, even during discussions about their children’s surnames, he accepted his wife’s decisions without resistance.
Bharat Express CMD reflected on how this simple act of respect seemed surprising to his wife, illustrating the often complex nature of gender dynamics in society.
Historical Inequities And Global Perspectives On Women
CMD Upendrra Rai also discussed how women in history, particularly in China, faced extreme restrictions.
He described how, in the 1970s, women from high-class families were subjected to practices like wearing iron shoes to restrict their movement.
“How will a society develop when there is a constant fight to control women?” he questioned.
Drawing comparisons to the Nizam of Hyderabad’s reign with his 500 queens, Bharat Express CMD pointed out the historical inequalities women have faced.
Financial Power And Women’s Autonomy
CMD Upendrra Rai stressed that men and women alike wield financial power, which drives today’s world.
He argued that strength comes not from individual isolation but from societal support.
He cited his experiences traveling to 87 countries, noting how women around the world are often restricted and denied the freedom to express themselves.
“Women should be given wings to fly. They create the sky themselves,” he declared.
Conclusion: Women’s Empowerment For Societal Change
Bharat Express CMD concluded by rejecting the notion that past times were better.
He highlighted the advancements of the present day, particularly in terms of technological progress and societal development.
CMD Upendrra Rai noted that countries like America have progressed by focusing on equality rather than caste or gender.
For Bharat Express CMD, the message was clear: Empowering women is essential for societal change and development.
Only when women are independent, strong, and free to contribute will society experience true progress.
His message resonated deeply with the attendees, inspiring many to reflect on the importance of women’s rights in the modern world.
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