Asaram Bapu's case of sexual molestation brings something else to mind. The responsibility of parents!
How many times in India have we heard of minor girls being molested by so called sadhus. Let me tell you a story of an extremely protective and self righteous mother, who staked her whole credo on her belief that conservative upbringing was the key to a successful marriage for her daughters. In her quest for this she went to soothsayers and godmen who assured her that her daughters would be wed within their caste community fold to eligible young men of her choice.
She could return feeling blessed and satisfied at the performance of her parental duties.
And then she took herself and her daughter to yet another god man well considered in her larger family circle.
The " Asaram Bapu" code of conduct was repeated. The old man mauled the young girls breasts and more. The young girl was too frightened to tell her mother, and when she did, her mother said, hush hush, your matrimonial chances will diminish if a scandal breaks out--and who will believe us.
She bought her daughter's complicity with worldly wisdom--assuring her of a Good Match.
An upper middle class woman! How many like her have been silenced.
This young girl from UP, and her braver parents have shown middle class India--that it should not be silenced.
Asram Bapu's conduct is just the tip of the iceberg! Were the young women of India to speak out there would be a deluge of complaints of sick godmen around--predators in saffron.
Besides what would a man of God want with worldly wealth of 8000 crores?
How many times in India have we heard of minor girls being molested by so called sadhus. Let me tell you a story of an extremely protective and self righteous mother, who staked her whole credo on her belief that conservative upbringing was the key to a successful marriage for her daughters. In her quest for this she went to soothsayers and godmen who assured her that her daughters would be wed within their caste community fold to eligible young men of her choice.
She could return feeling blessed and satisfied at the performance of her parental duties.
And then she took herself and her daughter to yet another god man well considered in her larger family circle.
The " Asaram Bapu" code of conduct was repeated. The old man mauled the young girls breasts and more. The young girl was too frightened to tell her mother, and when she did, her mother said, hush hush, your matrimonial chances will diminish if a scandal breaks out--and who will believe us.
She bought her daughter's complicity with worldly wisdom--assuring her of a Good Match.
An upper middle class woman! How many like her have been silenced.
This young girl from UP, and her braver parents have shown middle class India--that it should not be silenced.
Asram Bapu's conduct is just the tip of the iceberg! Were the young women of India to speak out there would be a deluge of complaints of sick godmen around--predators in saffron.
Besides what would a man of God want with worldly wealth of 8000 crores?
