The Supreme Court verdict of lifting the ban on women’s entry in Sabarimala was hailed as one of the landmark judgements of our time.
While most of the people celebrated this judgment, some narrow-minded leaders of the society are not able to accept the changing world.
The regressive and highly sexist statement made by ex-Devaswom Board President Prayar Gopalakrishnan is a live example of it.
[ifh_news_form]Speaking of the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter Sabarimala temple, Prayar Gopalakrishnan said,
“I won’t tell any sister to not enter Sabarimala. Whoever wants to come are welcome. But if you come you can get caught by a tiger or man” alluding that the women devotees cannot complain if they are harassed or abused by men during the pilgrimage.
“If young women are allowed to enter Sabarimala, I will not be ready to enter Thailand (according to him, Sabarimala will turn into Thailand if women are allowed). The aura or power of Lord Ayyappa will be diminished” he said.
So, basically, we are not fine with women entering into the temple but it’s acceptable if men during the pilgrimage harass and abuse women devotees. In fact, the statement looks more like a threat to stop women from visiting the temple.
The question we want to ask is, why the aura or power of Lord Ayyappa won’t be diminished if His devotees harass women on the pilgrimage?
Sadly, Prayar Gopalakrishnan is not the only public figure in Kerala to pass the regressive and highly sexist comments.
As per News minute, actor Kollam Thulasi, speaking at a public rally said that women who enter Sabarimala should be “ripped apart”.
“Women should be ripped apart; one half should be sent to Delhi and another to the Kerala Chief Minister” he said.
“The mothers (elderly woman) taking part in the protest against the judgment should go to Sabarimala. Then those women should rip apart the ones who try to enter the temple” he added.
In the midst of debates, women like you and me, are forced to think about our safety in this country?
And, how much do our leaders or our society care about gender equality?
You Might Also Like:
https://www.iforher.com/mp-no-jeans-tops-girls-above-10/