MY CHOICE

The writer (Ms.Radhika) in her article (Wanted: less style, more substance: The Hindu, dated 2. 4. 2015) relating to a video ‘My Choice’ has termed the story as ironic because it could not bring home the real point for which it was essentially meant.  The concept of women’s empowerment has been misinterpreted within the fold of personal domain rather than public.  The whole process has been seen as an opportunity lost. 

But the writer has not gone into the depth of the ideas put together to form a silent but forceful activity that makes sense to deliver a positive message for the freedom of choices.  The essence of women’s empowerment is freedom from bondage.  This very concept of choice is in the background of every activity relating to the women emancipation.  The empowerment is not confined to employment, financial independence and strength.  It embodies in its fold the freedom of spirit in its true naked form.  Why bring Padukone and 98 other women into picture?  They may be symbols, if not reality; they may be celebrities, if not down to earth.  But they are all women - pure and simple representing all walks of life.  The video carries sense of art, imagination and literary charm.  Why to expect a direct  protest, a dharna or a crude political street show for speaking out against abuses, rapes, everyday sexism and domestic violence   as form of support to women’s empowerment.  A short artistic film, a documentary or even stills have their appeal and message.  The central piece of the story is woman, but not as a shadow of man.  It is not fight for equal rights and opportunities.  It is for freedom: the freedom of spirit.  They have already marched on and come forward.  Men in video are not side-lined.  They have been included subtly.  Women do not want to be lost in the jungle of men.  Women have individuality like a tree in the forest, like a solid flake of snow in all round snow fall.

The writer seems to be unimaginative and a native of the rocks with aversion to romantic words, infusion of poetry and artistic narration and feels them to be uncommon to women’s empowerment.  If romance is lost what remains in life?  Love is the only common commodity that makes life meaningful to every living being.