“If society fits you comfortably enough, you call it freedom.”- Robert Frost
On the occasion of Indian Independence Day (August 15th), here is a version of freedom for a typical Indian woman.
In a staunchly patriarchal society
Her actions were always governed by propriety
She had freedom to choose- or so she was explained
As long as it within narrow confines remained-
Yes she could play-but the games had to be
Appropriate for a girl, not for mixed company
She could choose her outfits, but they had to be
In color and form, conforming to standards of modesty
Yes she was educated, yet was expected to state
Her opinions rarely, never indulge in a debate
With elders and men of all ages, for a girl was meant
To be seen, not heard, in the background blend
Yes she could choose her life partner, but he had to be
From a certain kind of family, from the same community
The irony of this situation would be apparent when I say
She was envied by her friends for her freedom, by the way…
**
She also from a very young age learnt
To respect these boundaries, never to be burnt
For life was easier when the rules she obeyed
If there was a charade, along she played
This came very handy as a daughter-in-law
Where they could not find a major flaw..
**
She lived her life in a manner monotonous
Comfortable, well-adjusted, her life free of fuss
But it was lackluster, and she did crave
For some excitement- she longed to be brave
And do something different, break the norm
When she did dare, she felt her image transform
From a woman perceived as subservient
To someone with a mind of her own, self-sufficient
She faced some criticism, but to her surprise
She saw new respect in her family and friends’ eyes
She galvanized the other women around her
To break free from their molds, venture further
They realized that the arbitrary rules they had perceived
As dogmatic were archaic, and change was received
With far less resistance than they had feared
Freedom could be expanded, it so appeared
**
At the end of the day, here’s what I would say-
You just have to live life your own way
Waiting for others’ approval is futile
It is your journey, you go the extra mile!
