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RG Kar Rape: Has it exposed our Society?

RG Kar Medical College and Hospital (Image Source - OneIndia)

The RG Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata was established in 1886, and is Asia's first private medical college. Once the symbol of hope and excellence, this institution turned into the face of hell on August 9, when a trainee doctor was raped and murdered on duty. 

Since then West Bengal has been in a state of turmoil. 

The entire country has gone through a variety of emotions. The gruesome nature of the crime has sent shockwaves across the nation. Support has poured in for the deceased's family from across the country. People have been out on the street. There have been calls for reforms.

There have also been conspiracy theories, and accusations of attempts to interfere in the investigation. The political fraternity has, of course, been involved in a blame game. RG Kar Medical College & Hospital has been in the news for all the wrong reasons or perhaps not. 

RG Kar Medical College incident shows gruesome side of human nature

Doctors on the streets in protest. Photo source - PTI

One cannot help but wonder if the incident has actually unmasked the real face of our society. Are we really civilized or is it all a pretence? Is it possible for a sane person to commit such a heinous crime? To inflict such torture on another living and breathing human being? 

She was a young lady with a head full of dreams. She was a fighter; rising from humble beginnings to make her parents proud. She had been an exceptional scholar, clearing every hurdle of her academic life with aplomb. She was an animal lover and had a passion for gardening. 

She was everything a society desperately needs at the moment. Kind, wise, compassionate. She was supposed to be the instrument of change and yet, the world has let her down. She had called RG Kar her 'second home' but they had caught her off-guard in her own backyard. 

In the place where she was supposed to feel safe.

She had blossomed from her parents' struggles of a lifetime and was quietly working to give them a better life. And in one instance, two aged souls had lost the apple of their eyes. 

They had violated her, assaulted her and ripped her apart. They hadn't spared a thought for her parents, for her life, her hopes and dreams. None of these had mattered to those monsters. Where is the world headed if such crooked minds are walking all around us, sitting at the table with us? 

How long before they begin entering our homes?

Shame, Concern, Worry

As a man, I am ashamed that women have to be wary of us on the streets. They have to continuously look over their shoulder as they travel. That they have to be alert even at work place and at home. That they have to fight for their safety when they should be busy living their lives.

As a husband, a friend, and a brother, I am concerned. I am worried that this society is letting its women down. Again and Again and Again.

As a father, I feel determined to ensure my son grows up to be a good and responsible human being. That he learns to uphold the spirit of compassion in this corrupt world. But I am also concerned about his safety. How will the world treat my little boy when he grows up?

This world has painted a fake picture of power. Contrary to the common notion, power doesn't lie in dominance, in asserting our opinion on others, in flaunting our muscles. Real power cannot come from destruction, it arises from creation, from nurturing and caring for others. 

So this is not just about women alone. This is also about being a sane human in a sane world. This is about the ease at which one person can hurt another. How easy it is to mutilate and destroy one mind. To corrupt the society. How easy it is to even consider taking a life without the fear of consequences.

Is this the grim reality of our civilization?

The Importance of Teachers and Doctors

Teachers and Doctors are the two pillars of a civilization. One nurtures the budding minds of the era and shapes the architects of the modern world. The other cures, heals, and protects the community. Together, they help forge a proper society. It is their responsibility to create a better world, but it is also the duty of the world to ensure they have all the ingredients to work their magic.

What does it say of our modern world if they have to take to the streets to fight for their rights? And their demands are the basic rights of a human being in this current age. Safety. Security. Morality. A better workplace. A sane, civilized world. 

A place where you can rest for a while - without worry - after a 36-hour shift. 

It is heartening to see the support pouring in from all around the country. Medical professionals from across the nation remain united in their efforts to bring the culprits of the RG Kar incident to justice. This society certainly needs to treat its Doctors better, but this shouldn't stop at Doctors. 

Every person in this world deserves to feel safe at all times. It is the least we can do for each other.

Time for Change

It indeed is time for a change. Sweeping change. Not just reforms of rules and regulations, or stricter laws. It is time to work to make a better world, to educate about morals and ethics. To teach people to differentiate between right and wrong. It is time to stop relying on others to bring about change and instigate the change ourselves. Be the change we wish to be. 

It is never too late and if the response to the RG Kar incident is anything to go by, our community is eager for a change. People are ready to fight for a better world. A safer world. 

The sane people of the world have to come out and ensure that the deranged don't take over. It is time for parents to help their children become better human beings. Kinder, stronger, wiser. Time to build a world where no one is afraid to step out of their homes.

It is also time for every person to look inward and question themselves. Are we civilized or are we pretending?

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