Whenever I hear someone mention the “Priyadarshini Mattoo case”, something irks me. Why is that we always prefer to name a case, especially rape cases, after the names of hapless victims? Why can it not be branded and publicized as the Santosh Singh’s trial/case or something like that? After all, it is the accused/culprit (though it needs to be ‘proved’ as such in this particular case) who needs to scorned at, who needs to be humiliated. And it is the offender again against whom we need to caution the society. He is the one about whom people should be enquiring for he is the potential threat. The victim is no more and her family has already suffered much…why scandalize the matter then by succumbing to the media ruse and flashing the identity of the victim and protecting that of the accused?
Think about it and you would realize how we tend to fall prey to this strange, insensitive and unjust practice popularized by the media. How many of us even remember the names of the culprits behind the Bhanwari Devi rape case, Dr Aruna Shanbaug’s rape case, Jessica Lall murder, Naina Sahni murder etc etc?? Clueless na…
Think…and if my point makes even a wee bit of sense, try being a harbinger of change.
On a lighter note, let me take this opportunity to inform you that those who want justice for Priyadarshini can have their say by visiting her blog: http://www.ourpriyadarshini.org/blog/. Alternatively, you may look at the “Justice for Priyadarshini” button on this blog, click on it and follow the directions. You are required to sign an online petition. And wait before you give me that “Oh not that!”look…
Often do I used to wonder whether signing online petitions etc would result in something positive and fruitful at all, whether it would turn the wheels of justice…I was cynical and apprehensive. But then, it dawned upon me that SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE…and the karmic mantra is as simple as that! Now, whenever those doubts resurface I remind myself of two things:
1) this, (that is, to support a genuine cause) is the least that we can do; busy as we are with our hectic routines and selfish businesses of life. Somehow, to me, it gives tremendous relief just to be a part of something good, no matter the part you play is miniscule and measly.
2) yes, nothing might result from it...but something may. So, lets hang on to that thread of hope and keep the faith.
Someone who did not deserve to die met a brutal end...we simply have to keep on trying. Have you heard this one: "If you try, you risk failure; if you don't, you ensure it". Believe me, this is how things work and we, not anyone else, have to motivate ourselves everyday for reinstating that belief.
