Security In India
As the elections for a new state assembly in Delhi approached, many women based their vote on who would make their city the most secure, as security was the biggest issue and concern for the women of Delhi. The women complained that the biggest issue in Delhi was security and the last congress party had failed to bring security to their city. Since women feel like the last congress party did not do enough to ameliorate security in the cities of India, some women are only voting for the new party simply because they were not satisfied by the work of the old party. Women's security was a key campaign issue in this year's election and the women of India based their vote on their main concern: women safety in India.
1. How do you think the new state assembly could make the cities of India more secure?
2.Do you think it is actually possible for the state assembly to change and make India a more secure place?
http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2013/12/04/delhi-women-vote-for-safety/?mod=WSJBlog&mod=irt
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Bihar Launched Birth Registration Campaign
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bihar-launched-birth-registration-campaign/articleshow/26853618.cms
Bihar, a state in Northern India, has launched a birth registration campaign for young, elementary school-age children. Sponsored by UNICEF, hospital and school officials in the state have made it a point to make unregistered children registered as soon as possible. With the purpose of fulfilling every children's right to self-identification and life, these organizations have been trying to produce and create birth certificates for these children. Until the end of the year, these organizations will hold registration clinics in schools and in public places as to afford everyone the opportunity to register. With India's already burgeoning population, children are constantly marginalized, and this process will go a long way as to make sure everyone can be identified as their own. This is promising, and especially in the wake of our birth rights in India discussion, it is a positive step forward to making sure the rights of every children are ensured. Later in life, this identification could prove extremely important in terms of these children getting jobs or a higher education.
1. How do you think this movement will affect future generations in India in terms of birthrights?
2. Will this have any bearing on the widespread abortion issue in India? Will the guaranteed rights of every individual dissuade mothers and fathers from killing their children, knowing that their births will be recorded?
Bihar, a state in Northern India, has launched a birth registration campaign for young, elementary school-age children. Sponsored by UNICEF, hospital and school officials in the state have made it a point to make unregistered children registered as soon as possible. With the purpose of fulfilling every children's right to self-identification and life, these organizations have been trying to produce and create birth certificates for these children. Until the end of the year, these organizations will hold registration clinics in schools and in public places as to afford everyone the opportunity to register. With India's already burgeoning population, children are constantly marginalized, and this process will go a long way as to make sure everyone can be identified as their own. This is promising, and especially in the wake of our birth rights in India discussion, it is a positive step forward to making sure the rights of every children are ensured. Later in life, this identification could prove extremely important in terms of these children getting jobs or a higher education.
1. How do you think this movement will affect future generations in India in terms of birthrights?
2. Will this have any bearing on the widespread abortion issue in India? Will the guaranteed rights of every individual dissuade mothers and fathers from killing their children, knowing that their births will be recorded?
The World's Democracy
India is a very fascinating country in many political ways. India is the world's largest democracy with a size of over 3 times the United States. Right now, New Delhi is holding assembly polls to elect new representatives, and the turn out is higher than ever. Four years ago the turn out was just over 57%, while this year the turn out has skyrocketed to to around 67%. Many Indian citizens are in a moment to free a "corrupt India". Two parties are fighting for spots in the India Congress and this is being seen as a historic poll in India history because there has been no violence, and there has been record turn outs.
Do you think that India is finally understanding Gandhi's views on nonviolence because they aren't fighting over politics anymore?
Why do you think turn outs for the election have gone up so much?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-25211071
Do you think that India is finally understanding Gandhi's views on nonviolence because they aren't fighting over politics anymore?
Why do you think turn outs for the election have gone up so much?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-25211071
Elections in Delhi
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-25211071
The voter turnout in Delhi for the current election has been surprisingly high this year. The turnout was 66% which is a massive increase from previous years. The election commission board even had to extend voting hours in order to allow adequate time for everyone to vote. The election this year is the current ruling congress party trying for a fourth consecutive term. This party is opposed by the BJP and the Common Man Party. The comman man party was born out of an anti corruption movement and has emerged as a strong contender this year. So far, it is unclear of who is likely to win. "The Congress campaign has been led by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit, 75, who is seeking a record fourth consecutive term in office promising "inclusive development"."
1) Who do you think is likely to win the election this year?
2) Why do you think the congress party and the BJP party have "dismissed the common man party as a serous contender" this year?
3) What is your opinion of Indias current ruling system?
The voter turnout in Delhi for the current election has been surprisingly high this year. The turnout was 66% which is a massive increase from previous years. The election commission board even had to extend voting hours in order to allow adequate time for everyone to vote. The election this year is the current ruling congress party trying for a fourth consecutive term. This party is opposed by the BJP and the Common Man Party. The comman man party was born out of an anti corruption movement and has emerged as a strong contender this year. So far, it is unclear of who is likely to win. "The Congress campaign has been led by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit, 75, who is seeking a record fourth consecutive term in office promising "inclusive development"."
1) Who do you think is likely to win the election this year?
2) Why do you think the congress party and the BJP party have "dismissed the common man party as a serous contender" this year?
3) What is your opinion of Indias current ruling system?
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Rigidly Masculine
Nearly 40.7% of the men in India have been classified as "rigidly masculine," based on their views and beliefs of women. The International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) has classified Indian men into four categories in order to avoid lumping them all into one stereotype. The four classifications are equitable men, flexible behavior men, flexible attitude men, and the rigidly masculine. The rigidly masculine consider women to be inferior to them, and they are very controlling of their wives. These men are three times more likely to physically abuse their wives and almost four times likelier to want a son over a daughter. These conclusions are based on studies taken by the ICRW across seven states. Only 25.6% of the men in these seven states would be considered in the equitable category. The equitable men strongly support women as equals and this translates into sharing of household work and responsibility for contraception. They firmly believe that women are not to be blamed for rape. The rest of the male population ended up between the two ends of the spectrum.
In comparison with the high ratio of rigidly masculine men, nearly 27% of the women surveyed reported violence against themselves within the past year. 34% of the male population admitted to physically abusing their wives ever, but only 31% of the female population admitted to have suffered the violence.
The survey also concluded that 72% of men in the rigidly masculine category have a high son preference versus 19% of the equitable category. This preference can lead to severe health issues for women and a greater gap in the population ratio. The 2001 census reported a drop from 927 girls per 1,000 boys (ages 0 to 9) in 2001 to an all-time low of 914 to 1,000 in 2011.
The results show that men with a secondary or higher education and those living in urban areas are more likely to fall into the equitable category. Economic stress also weighs down on men to create more rigid notions against women. The findings of this survey make it clear that education is the most important solution for this issue. People need to be brought up with the view of men and women as equals. It is also important to set up a change in mindset in adults, especially men who hold these rigid views. Men will be the most direct form of change in this issue.
40% of Indian men are hardcore sexists: Study
Discussion Questions:
1. Which universal human right(s) is/are being denied in this situation?
2. Why do you think a smaller percentage of women admitted to having suffered physical violence as opposed to the 34% of men that admitted to having physically abused their wives?
3. Why do you think better education and urban environment are associated with the equitable category of men in India?
In comparison with the high ratio of rigidly masculine men, nearly 27% of the women surveyed reported violence against themselves within the past year. 34% of the male population admitted to physically abusing their wives ever, but only 31% of the female population admitted to have suffered the violence.
The survey also concluded that 72% of men in the rigidly masculine category have a high son preference versus 19% of the equitable category. This preference can lead to severe health issues for women and a greater gap in the population ratio. The 2001 census reported a drop from 927 girls per 1,000 boys (ages 0 to 9) in 2001 to an all-time low of 914 to 1,000 in 2011.
The results show that men with a secondary or higher education and those living in urban areas are more likely to fall into the equitable category. Economic stress also weighs down on men to create more rigid notions against women. The findings of this survey make it clear that education is the most important solution for this issue. People need to be brought up with the view of men and women as equals. It is also important to set up a change in mindset in adults, especially men who hold these rigid views. Men will be the most direct form of change in this issue.
40% of Indian men are hardcore sexists: Study
Discussion Questions:
1. Which universal human right(s) is/are being denied in this situation?
2. Why do you think a smaller percentage of women admitted to having suffered physical violence as opposed to the 34% of men that admitted to having physically abused their wives?
3. Why do you think better education and urban environment are associated with the equitable category of men in India?
Deforestation
http://www.frontline.in/environment/the-elephant-in-the-room/article5389669.ece?homepage=true
Forests in india are disappearing and the issues that follow it are catastrophic. Research done in 2005 show that much of elephant human problems occur where elephant used to have migration paths but because of rampart deforestation they have been turned into human spots. Elephants because of their huge size need more forest areas than other animals and the deforestation is affecting them the most. It is also important to note that since the elephant is a hunted animal for its ivory tusks that this deforestation is making it easier for people to hunt and kill them. As forests fragment so will the elephant population until there is nothing left of either. This is a huge problem because india is in the middle of two huge environmental issues more elephants being killed and the lack of forest to house them because of the deforestation.
What do you think the government should do?
Do you think that this is a big issue?
How does this affect what we have learned about the catholic social teachings?
Forests in india are disappearing and the issues that follow it are catastrophic. Research done in 2005 show that much of elephant human problems occur where elephant used to have migration paths but because of rampart deforestation they have been turned into human spots. Elephants because of their huge size need more forest areas than other animals and the deforestation is affecting them the most. It is also important to note that since the elephant is a hunted animal for its ivory tusks that this deforestation is making it easier for people to hunt and kill them. As forests fragment so will the elephant population until there is nothing left of either. This is a huge problem because india is in the middle of two huge environmental issues more elephants being killed and the lack of forest to house them because of the deforestation.
What do you think the government should do?
Do you think that this is a big issue?
How does this affect what we have learned about the catholic social teachings?
Mass Surrogacy in Anand, India
Article Summary
As one of the few places around the world that allows commercial surrogacy at a relatively low cost, India has experienced booming growth in the business. In particular, the city of Anand in the far western state of Gujarat has become a "Mecca" for foreigners seeking a surrogate mother to gestate their baby. There is a hostel located here where fifty surrogate mothers are living, all under the care of Dr. Nayana Patel. Patel has helped close to 700 surrogate mothers deliver a child for 580 couples; she has been doing this since 2004. The topic of surrogacy is a controversial topic, and Patel holds a positive view of it. She sees it as a win-win situation - Indian women earn large sums of money to help their family and foreign couples are able to have a child. A surrogate mother is paid around $8000 US dollars for having the child, a huge amount for many of these woman. Madhu Makwan, a surrogate mother, said, "I've got a chance now to make my life. God is too kind." She was previously making around $2 a day working in the fields, and with the money she made she is now able to support her family properly.
Questions
1. Ranjana Kumari, a critic of surrogacy, calls the practice "organ sale." What do you think of this claim?
2. We talked in class about the discrepancies that occur over who is the biological mother and who is the adoptive mother. What is your opinion about this argument?
3. What are the moral issues at stake with surrogacy (ex: loss of human dignity)?
As one of the few places around the world that allows commercial surrogacy at a relatively low cost, India has experienced booming growth in the business. In particular, the city of Anand in the far western state of Gujarat has become a "Mecca" for foreigners seeking a surrogate mother to gestate their baby. There is a hostel located here where fifty surrogate mothers are living, all under the care of Dr. Nayana Patel. Patel has helped close to 700 surrogate mothers deliver a child for 580 couples; she has been doing this since 2004. The topic of surrogacy is a controversial topic, and Patel holds a positive view of it. She sees it as a win-win situation - Indian women earn large sums of money to help their family and foreign couples are able to have a child. A surrogate mother is paid around $8000 US dollars for having the child, a huge amount for many of these woman. Madhu Makwan, a surrogate mother, said, "I've got a chance now to make my life. God is too kind." She was previously making around $2 a day working in the fields, and with the money she made she is now able to support her family properly.
Questions
1. Ranjana Kumari, a critic of surrogacy, calls the practice "organ sale." What do you think of this claim?
2. We talked in class about the discrepancies that occur over who is the biological mother and who is the adoptive mother. What is your opinion about this argument?
3. What are the moral issues at stake with surrogacy (ex: loss of human dignity)?
Indian Rape Law Offers Desperate Last Resort
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303460004579192040826366178
On November 29, a young and pregnant Indian woman was left by her groom to be on her wedding day. Taking advantage of the rape issues in India, this woman felt the best course of action to bring her should-be husband back was to abuse the legal system and exploit him for rape. This is a commonality as of late in India, as women are using the legal system and police, who are trying harder to implement punishment upon rapists and convict those men who are guilty, to bring back innocent men. This specific woman, Ms. Guatam, even said she "didn't have any other option." Women don't know what to do when faced with abandonment. As young women in India are gaining more freedoms, such as dating, education, and personal desires, they are beginning to abuse the system in Orr to secure their social standing even further.
1) By abusing the legal system in this way, are women in a way being self detrimental? How so?
2) How should women approach abandonment differently?
3) Are the progressions toward women's rights in India a good decision for all?
On November 29, a young and pregnant Indian woman was left by her groom to be on her wedding day. Taking advantage of the rape issues in India, this woman felt the best course of action to bring her should-be husband back was to abuse the legal system and exploit him for rape. This is a commonality as of late in India, as women are using the legal system and police, who are trying harder to implement punishment upon rapists and convict those men who are guilty, to bring back innocent men. This specific woman, Ms. Guatam, even said she "didn't have any other option." Women don't know what to do when faced with abandonment. As young women in India are gaining more freedoms, such as dating, education, and personal desires, they are beginning to abuse the system in Orr to secure their social standing even further.
1) By abusing the legal system in this way, are women in a way being self detrimental? How so?
2) How should women approach abandonment differently?
3) Are the progressions toward women's rights in India a good decision for all?
Monday, December 2, 2013
2/5ths of Children Suffer from Malnutrition; $74m Spent on Mars Mission
- What would you do if you were in charge of India's national budget? Is space technology worth it when other countries are already so far ahead? Or with neighbors such as Pakistan and China, is it a necessity?
- How can Catholic Social teachings be applied to this case?
Sunday, December 1, 2013
16+ Teens can be tried as adults for heinous crimes
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Cabinet-readies-to-treat-16-plus-in-heinous-crimes-as-adults/articleshow/26707294.cms
In this situation, the Indian government is charging people who are sixteen year old and up and commit a heinous crime as adults rather than as kids. This will deny 16+ teens protection that was previously allowed under the Juvenile Justice Act. Recently, the courts of India decided to not lower the age of juvenility from the eighteen year old age that it is now. The Indian public was clamoring for this law to be changed after a seventeen year old involved on a gang rape. This would violate the human right of sixteen year olds who would be tried as adults in courts of law. This could mean the end of life for people who still have time to learn about what they did wrong and maybe change. Also, another barrier towards this law passing would be the UN child rights law. The Indian government is currently working on a way to solve this problem peacefully and to ensure that juveniles are treated differently.
In this situation, the Indian government is charging people who are sixteen year old and up and commit a heinous crime as adults rather than as kids. This will deny 16+ teens protection that was previously allowed under the Juvenile Justice Act. Recently, the courts of India decided to not lower the age of juvenility from the eighteen year old age that it is now. The Indian public was clamoring for this law to be changed after a seventeen year old involved on a gang rape. This would violate the human right of sixteen year olds who would be tried as adults in courts of law. This could mean the end of life for people who still have time to learn about what they did wrong and maybe change. Also, another barrier towards this law passing would be the UN child rights law. The Indian government is currently working on a way to solve this problem peacefully and to ensure that juveniles are treated differently.
Anti-rape law will ensure action on perpetators
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Anti-rape-law-will-ensure-action-on-perpetrators-Meira-Kumar/articleshow/26698923.cms
In New Dehli, a new law legislation passed will serve as a means of punishing perpetrators of crimes against women. A speaker, Meira Kumar, said that last december a bill for violence issues relating to women was introduced, and now this law is able to help ensure offenders will be prosecuted. Kumar was the chief guest at the Border Security Force Raising day celebration where she gave an address that also praised efforts of bringing women into security forces. Border security will now induct women into their forces for the first time in 2014. Kumar thanked the BSF for changing with changing times as they have allowed women to be admitted into the force and fulfill once only men held positions.
1. What type of justice is now being fulfilled by this new legislation passed that protects women and punished perpetrators of violent crimes against women?
2. What human rights were being violated before the BSF allowed to admit women into their forces?
In New Dehli, a new law legislation passed will serve as a means of punishing perpetrators of crimes against women. A speaker, Meira Kumar, said that last december a bill for violence issues relating to women was introduced, and now this law is able to help ensure offenders will be prosecuted. Kumar was the chief guest at the Border Security Force Raising day celebration where she gave an address that also praised efforts of bringing women into security forces. Border security will now induct women into their forces for the first time in 2014. Kumar thanked the BSF for changing with changing times as they have allowed women to be admitted into the force and fulfill once only men held positions.
1. What type of justice is now being fulfilled by this new legislation passed that protects women and punished perpetrators of violent crimes against women?
2. What human rights were being violated before the BSF allowed to admit women into their forces?
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Welspun Energy Promotes Women Empowerment in Madhya Pradesh
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/Welspun-Energy-promotes-women-empowerment-in-Madhya-Pradesh/articleshow/25834258.cms
For the past two years, the company Welspun Energy Ltd (WEL)
has been working to empower women in Madhya Pradesh. One of the goals of WEL is
to help women become self-sufficient by earning incomes on their own. WEL has
provided women in this area with workshops and classes to help the women learn
skills that are necessary in order to start working. WEL sets up specific
classes that correspond to the work opportunities in each village. So far, the
company has helped about 100 women successfully use the skills they learned to
earn a steady income. Ultimately, the company hopes to make women more
confident by helping women believe that they have the capability to be
successful. The company hopes that this newly attained confidence and the
courses being provided will help create better economic opportunities for women
and help them become more independent.
- Which human rights are being rightfully carried out by the work being done to empower women?
- Who is responsible for making sure that women are able to attain jobs in the work force in India? Is it the government’s responsibility or is it the responsibility of smaller companies, such as WEL?
Monday, November 25, 2013
India's Patriarchal Society Strikes Again...
This time suppressing women's representation in India’s Parliament. In a recent analysis on the number of women members in Parliament conducted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), an organization which works toward ensuring representative democracies, India was ranked 108th out of 188 countries, ranking badly in comparison to neighboring countries, Nepal, China, and Pakistan.
Fortunately, the release of this study has driven women in India to come together to pass the women’s reservation bill, a piece of legislation that hopes to ensure more representation of women in government. This reservation system, practiced in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, is designed to secure seats in Parliament specifically for women. President of Women Power Connect, Vibhuti Patel, notes, “Appropriate representation of women is possible only through a quota regime, and this in turn will bring more transparency, efficiency and even decency in Parliament's functioning.”
Hopefully, if this bill gets passed, the outstanding women’s rights violations occurring throughout India will be addressed with a greater degree of severity, allowing India to step forward and away from the confines of its classic patriarchal society.
1.) Do you think that reserving seats in government for specific members of society should be allowed, despite its good intentions, or is this corrupting the sense of “free elections?”
2.) If this legislation passes, women will get more representation in government, which is definitely a step in the right direction for women. What other actions should women in India take to raise awareness about their plight?
Saturday, November 23, 2013
India Joins the Space Race to the Red Planet
After reading all the depressing news reports on this blog, I decided to post something that was more optimistic. On November 5, 2013, India successfully launched a rocket headed for the Red Planet in hopes of advancing its scientific exploration skills. If India's Mars Orbiter Mission is successful when the probe that launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center near Chennai lands on Mars in ten months, India will join an elite club of Mars explorers that includes only Soviet Russia, NASA, and the European Space Union. Upon reaching Mars, the rocket will search the surface for minerals and evidence for the disappearance of water. The probe will also take a closer look at Mars' two moons. In 2016, India plans to launch its first own manned flight. Clearly, India's recent technological progress as it starts to compete with first world countries is quite remarkable.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/04/world/asia/india-mars-orbiter/
1. How is India's scientific progress contrasting to their social problems? Do you think that a lot of labor was exploited so that India could improve its technology?
2. How do you think Gandhi would respond to this progress given his views on machines?
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Judgment in Sankararaman murder case on November 27
The judgment in the Sankaraman murder case will be decided on November 27th. Sankaraman was murdered and now the khan hi seers are being accused of giving out false information in court. The giving of false info in court is illegal and they will also be investigated. So far as many as 187 witnesses have been interviewed and nobody knows what story to believe. With the extreme corruption found in India this trial is becoming harder and harder to solve by the day. We may never know what truly happened in this murder case. When asked to listen to tape recordings that provided evidence the the Sharma needed. But when one of the accused killers, Kardiravan, moved it became harder to solve the case. To make things worse Kardiravan died soon after moving. This case just takes wrong turn after wrong turn. We may never know what happens in this case.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Judgment-in-Sankararaman-murder-case-on-November-27/articleshow/25638097.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Judgment-in-Sankararaman-murder-case-on-November-27/articleshow/25638097.cms
Government Surveillance in India
https://www.hrw.org/news/2013/10/08/hanky-panky-what-government-doing-internet
After 50 people were killed in the Muzzafarnagar riots last month, people began to claim the need for government surveillance. Apparently, a fake video had been posted on the internet, causing great religious tensions. Prime Minister Manmoham Singh even claimed that people should have freedom of expression or speech, but not if it results in the spread of hatred and violence. Now, the amount government surveillance online has increased. According to a report conducted by by Google in July, the number of requests for user information by India has increased by ninety percent since last year. Now there has been many debates regarding the protection of the right to privacy ever since President Obama made a claim that he will review his surveillance methods after many complaints in the United States.
Do you think that government surveillance is a violation to the right of privacy? To what extent do you believe so? Name an example.
Do you think India should review its government surveillance method like the United States?
After 50 people were killed in the Muzzafarnagar riots last month, people began to claim the need for government surveillance. Apparently, a fake video had been posted on the internet, causing great religious tensions. Prime Minister Manmoham Singh even claimed that people should have freedom of expression or speech, but not if it results in the spread of hatred and violence. Now, the amount government surveillance online has increased. According to a report conducted by by Google in July, the number of requests for user information by India has increased by ninety percent since last year. Now there has been many debates regarding the protection of the right to privacy ever since President Obama made a claim that he will review his surveillance methods after many complaints in the United States.
Do you think that government surveillance is a violation to the right of privacy? To what extent do you believe so? Name an example.
Do you think India should review its government surveillance method like the United States?
India’s Politicians Ignore Women
In India, women's rights and protection when it comes to rape and other issues are being denied. The upcoming 2014 election brought some hope that one of the candidates would support and advocate for women's rights, but surprisingly this is not the case. In the past year, two major issues have been brought to the public's attention: gender violence and corruption. The issue of corruption is being tackled and dealt with by the candidates running for office, but the other main concern has remained untouched. After a few major cases where women's rights were being denied, overwhelming numbers of people crowded the streets in protest. Even despite this obvious support from the public to support the rights of women, none of the candidates have advocated for this issue. This article points out one of the reasons that this may have occurred: the machismo that overwhelms politics in India. The people are that are running are expected to act "manly," and when they do not fulfill this expectation, they are mocked and made fun of. This drives those running to want to blend in with the crowd and not stand up and advocate for something that could taint their manly reputation. Unfortunately, this is stopping the candidates from dealing with the great issue at hand.
1) What human rights of these women are being violated and who should be responsible.
2) What actions can be taken to ensure the dignity of these women are being up kept.
3) How can Jesus' teachings of loving outcasts apply here?
1) What human rights of these women are being violated and who should be responsible.
2) What actions can be taken to ensure the dignity of these women are being up kept.
3) How can Jesus' teachings of loving outcasts apply here?
Monday, November 11, 2013
Supreme Court Judge Sexually Assaults Intern
A New Delhi Law intern (name remains undisclosed) who was sexually assaulted by a National Supreme Court Judge last December has just come out with the story of her harrowing encounter. The young girl revealed her story not to specifically unleash hatred and revenge upon her attacker, but to raise awareness of the rape epidemic that plagues India and its women. In fact, the intern also stated that she is certain that her tormentor has personally assaulted three other women and that at other Supreme Court Judges have harassed at least four other women.
Following her attack, she gave up hope for waging any charges against the man for the country's legal system seemed to be hopelessly corrupt and useless in finding her solace and compensation. So instead of harboring hate against the Judge who attacked her, she instead wishes to warn the masses of India of such horrors and save other young girls from falling victim to such horrific experiences.
In addition, this intern's story has led to the proposal of laws that create stricter protection of female lawyers from dangerous male counterparts, as well as laws that redefine sexual harassment and rape to include unwanted sexual messages and stalking. Any cases of sexual harassment will also be created by a newly created Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee.
1) What kind of justice is involved and being violated here? What human rights?
2) What other actions would further reduce to sexual harassment and rape of women across India?
Wombs for rent: India's surrogate mother boomtown
In India, surrogate mothers are being more common because many women feel that it is a great way to earn money. In a hostel in Anand, Gujarat, fifty surrogate mothers live together that all have other people's babies in their wombs. They are reported to make 8,000 US dollars for carrying a baby. These women are completely satisfied with performing these acts because most families in India only make two dollars a day from toiling out on the farms working endlessly. They say that they need to make the money in this way to support their families and in order to educate their children. Moreover, India has now taken steps to regulate the industry. Foreign
same-sex couples and single parents are not permitted to hire surrogates. In addition, a new reform would require mothers to be between the ages of 21 and 35. On the flip side however, many surrogate mothers do not receive the money that they are often told they were to receive being tricked.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/03/world/asia/india-surrogate-mother-industry/index.html?iref=allsearch
1. Is it ethical for a woman to hold their baby in a surrogate mother? What would happen if the surrogate mother later realizes she wants to keep the baby?
2. What kind of human rights are being harmed as a result of surrogacy in India?
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/03/world/asia/india-surrogate-mother-industry/index.html?iref=allsearch
1. Is it ethical for a woman to hold their baby in a surrogate mother? What would happen if the surrogate mother later realizes she wants to keep the baby?
2. What kind of human rights are being harmed as a result of surrogacy in India?
Two minor earthquakes hit Delhi, strong tremors felt in National Capital Region
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/two-minor-earthquakes-hit-delhi-strong-tremors-felt-in-national-capital-region-444763?pfrom=home-lateststories
There were two earthquakes that hit Delhi just earlier today starting at 12:41 A.M. India time. One earthquake came an hour after the other, and people in Delhi, especially the National Capital Region, felt the tremors. On the Richter's scale, the first one was a 3.1, and the second one was a 3.3 earthquake. The earthquakes lasted about three to four seconds. People from neighboring cities, Noida and Ghaziabad, also felt the big tremors. These earthquakes caused many people to leave their homes, due to being scared. Some said it was the biggest earthquake they ever felt. The Indian Meterological Department are still trying to figure out where the epicenter of the earthquakes were and analyzing their data.
What effect do you think these earthquakes had on the people in Delhi?
Did the government respond to the earthquakes fast enough? And if it was a bigger earthquake, would they be ready to deal with the consequences?
There were two earthquakes that hit Delhi just earlier today starting at 12:41 A.M. India time. One earthquake came an hour after the other, and people in Delhi, especially the National Capital Region, felt the tremors. On the Richter's scale, the first one was a 3.1, and the second one was a 3.3 earthquake. The earthquakes lasted about three to four seconds. People from neighboring cities, Noida and Ghaziabad, also felt the big tremors. These earthquakes caused many people to leave their homes, due to being scared. Some said it was the biggest earthquake they ever felt. The Indian Meterological Department are still trying to figure out where the epicenter of the earthquakes were and analyzing their data.
What effect do you think these earthquakes had on the people in Delhi?
Did the government respond to the earthquakes fast enough? And if it was a bigger earthquake, would they be ready to deal with the consequences?
Nine Women Rescued from Delhi Brothels
Chikkaballapur police had received a complaint about women
missing from the Kotepalli village in Bagepalli taluk. After further investigation, they had learned that the women we taken into New Delhi brothels. These women
were initially promised they would be given jobs with a good salary. The
complaint was filed because one of the women was able to call a family member
where she had told them about what had actually happened. A team was later rushed into
New Delhi where they contacted the Delhi police the following day. They found
seven women from Karntaka and two women from Andhra Pradesh.
Discussion Questions:
1) What ways could we diminish the presence of the violation of women's rights?
2) These women were promised they would be given jobs. How could women protect themselves from such vile crimes?
Space Mission to Mars: Successful or Not?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24867914
This article was a very unique, unusual article which discussed the recently launched Mars space mission in a larger context, socially and politically. Unlike NASA or other established space centers, the Indian space center is reminiscent of an older era under British rule. It is very simple and undeveloped in terms of technology and modernization. Yet, this space center has generated some of the world's greatest missions and discoveries. In discussing the recent mission to Mars (which actually hit a glitch very recently), the article emphasizes the space missions as a matter of national pride and hope for Indians. The author writes that the creativity and ingenuity expressed by these scientist even with such low funding and support reflects the talent that is present within India. The author cites the examples of various street children, who look forward to the space mission as a matter of national pride. These children also exhibit the unique creativity and entrepreneurship that the scientists do; while many street children end up in unhealthy situations (sometimes as part of gangs and some become drug addicts or dealers), being a street child is not always a bad thing. The writer expresses hope that this space mission and other national undertakings will lend to India's sense of unity and bring new dreams and ideas to the poor and destitute. I found this article very interesting because it related a very global, seemingly different topic to a more practical situation.
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you think that the space mission is an opportunity for greater national pride and hope in a better future?
2. Do you believe these funds would be better spent on improving things within the country itself? How does this relate to Gandhi's vision of a new and improved India?
India’s Politicians Ignore Women Voters in Election Campaigns
http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/11/indias-politicians-ignore-women-voters-in-election-campaigns/?_r=0
About a week ago, two middle aged women were assaulted by police offers in India. The officers were muttering rude and sexually harassing comments at the women, and violently threatened to slap them when they accused the officers of harassment. Women face extreme amounts of neglect in India, from frequent rape to basic rights such as political contribution in Indian society. Last December a 23 year old student in Delhi was gang raped and died, which caused a big uproar in India. Although rape is frequent in India, this case was very tragic to everyone. The article states that "over 1,000 rape cases have been reported in the capital this year through mid-August, more than double than what was reported in the same period last year, while molestation has gone up by nearly four times during the same period." With elections coming up in 2014, Indian political leaders seem to be ignoring the major issues women face in India. The article tragically points out that the "political class has always studiously ignored women’s concerns, even when it has to do with an important subject like safety in public spaces." The safety of Indian women is almost always put at risk, yet they are not allowed to contribute to these matters. After the rape of the 23 year old student, people are enraged that women are continuing to be disregarded politically. People have begun an anti corruption upsurge, which is proving to be successful, as political leaders are being accused and charged for they corruptive ways. Even "Lalu Prasad, the former chief minister of Bihar, was convicted of siphoning funds and was sentenced to five years in prison," says the New York Times. The Women's Reservation Bill, which would give women a 33% quota in the Indian Parliament and state assemblies, has not been passed in the last ten years because the lack of value of women in India. The fact that they are striving so much for only a small role shows how maltreated and devalued these women are.
Discussion Questions:
1. How can India aim to decrease the rate of sexual harassment and rape in India?
2. While the world has almost wholly advanced in women's rights, why has India continued to suppress it's women, even in modern society?
About a week ago, two middle aged women were assaulted by police offers in India. The officers were muttering rude and sexually harassing comments at the women, and violently threatened to slap them when they accused the officers of harassment. Women face extreme amounts of neglect in India, from frequent rape to basic rights such as political contribution in Indian society. Last December a 23 year old student in Delhi was gang raped and died, which caused a big uproar in India. Although rape is frequent in India, this case was very tragic to everyone. The article states that "over 1,000 rape cases have been reported in the capital this year through mid-August, more than double than what was reported in the same period last year, while molestation has gone up by nearly four times during the same period." With elections coming up in 2014, Indian political leaders seem to be ignoring the major issues women face in India. The article tragically points out that the "political class has always studiously ignored women’s concerns, even when it has to do with an important subject like safety in public spaces." The safety of Indian women is almost always put at risk, yet they are not allowed to contribute to these matters. After the rape of the 23 year old student, people are enraged that women are continuing to be disregarded politically. People have begun an anti corruption upsurge, which is proving to be successful, as political leaders are being accused and charged for they corruptive ways. Even "Lalu Prasad, the former chief minister of Bihar, was convicted of siphoning funds and was sentenced to five years in prison," says the New York Times. The Women's Reservation Bill, which would give women a 33% quota in the Indian Parliament and state assemblies, has not been passed in the last ten years because the lack of value of women in India. The fact that they are striving so much for only a small role shows how maltreated and devalued these women are.
Discussion Questions:
1. How can India aim to decrease the rate of sexual harassment and rape in India?
2. While the world has almost wholly advanced in women's rights, why has India continued to suppress it's women, even in modern society?
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Policemen killed in Kashmir attack
Kashmir is the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent, which has been under Indian rule for over 20 years. The territory of Kashmir was hotly contested even before India and Pakistan won their independence from Britain in August 1947. From potentially being one of the most dangerous disputes in the world - which in the worst-case scenario could trigger a nuclear conflict - the recent warming of relations between Delhi and Islamabad has led to less conflict over the Kashmir dispute. However, even though violence in Indian-administered Kashmir has abated in recent years, the causes of the insurgency have not gone away. Kashmir has seen an armed insurgency against the presence of India rule since 1989. On Thursday November 7, 2013, Kashmir saw an ambush that left at least two policemen dead. So far no one has come forward. This is hardly the first attack as of late. India has made is presence felt in Kashmir, and the violence really took off earlier this year with the hanging of a Kashmiri man. There have been numerous raids, ambushed and attacks. An end to the violence and uncertainty in Kashmir would also be widely welcomed in India and Pakistan. However, a diplomatic solution has escaped both sides for more than 60 years, and there are no new proposals yet.
In what way do the attacks evidence a “end justify the means” mentality, and why is this wrong?
For the sake of ending conflict, do you think it would make sense that India give up control? Why or why not? How would doing so impact this case as a human rights issue?
Friday, October 25, 2013
Negligent Doctors Must be Dealt With, Supreme Court Says
Doctors will no longer have a way out of favoring wealthy patients and not treating those without the means to pay for it. The Indian supreme court established a precedent Thursday, holding firm on its stance that doctors who shy away from treating patients without the affluence or wealth that medical costs normally demand will be persecuted under Indian law and could face fines and prison time.
The Supreme Court has asked the government to create and start enforcing laws that will take effect as soon as possible so that these wrongdoers may be accordingly dealt with. The Court additionally asked that the government seek proper law enforcement to ensure the functioning and funding of medical facilities across the country, in part to stop the spread of this problem and also to improve a very rudimentary medical care system in many parts of the nation.
In light of the extremely visible and sensitive rape cases and how doctors often refused to treat victims because of their status, the ruling comes as a necessary and refreshing change that is bound to help save many more lives.
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you see a work of charity or work of justice in this action? How, specifically, will this act help improve the lackluster Indian healthcare system? Explain.
2. Where is there a breakdown in justice in this situation (before the article was written)? What type of justice is being violated and what sinful social structures are at the heart of it?
3. Why, in your opinion, is there such a bias towards money over the moral good in the case of these doctors? All of them take the Hippocratic Oath as they graduate from medical school, but why can't they adhere to it?
The Supreme Court has asked the government to create and start enforcing laws that will take effect as soon as possible so that these wrongdoers may be accordingly dealt with. The Court additionally asked that the government seek proper law enforcement to ensure the functioning and funding of medical facilities across the country, in part to stop the spread of this problem and also to improve a very rudimentary medical care system in many parts of the nation.
In light of the extremely visible and sensitive rape cases and how doctors often refused to treat victims because of their status, the ruling comes as a necessary and refreshing change that is bound to help save many more lives.
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you see a work of charity or work of justice in this action? How, specifically, will this act help improve the lackluster Indian healthcare system? Explain.
2. Where is there a breakdown in justice in this situation (before the article was written)? What type of justice is being violated and what sinful social structures are at the heart of it?
3. Why, in your opinion, is there such a bias towards money over the moral good in the case of these doctors? All of them take the Hippocratic Oath as they graduate from medical school, but why can't they adhere to it?
Thursday, October 24, 2013
In Case That Transfixed a Nation, Court in India Convicts Four Men of Rape
Back in December of 2012, a 23-year-old woman boarded a bus in New Delhi with a male friend on their way home from a movie. The bus was carrying these two and a group of men, identified as mostly working-class migrants who had apparently been drinking. This group of men attacked the two, knocking out the friend and leaving him unconscious, while they took the women to the back of the bus and raped her. The two were then dropped off at the side of the road and left there. Two weeks following the attack, the woman died from her severe injuries.
This event is one among several rape cases in India, which is why the sentence for the four suspects is such a national (and international) issue. One man Vikas Tyagi stated that execution of the men is the only way to stop rapes from happening because it will instill fear. The defense for the four initial suspects was badly formed, with lawyers transferring blame to others to avoid their clients (the defendants) taking the blame. One lawyer argued that the woman died because her doctor killed her in a political murder. This same man argued that she could not have given a fair statement because she had taken morphine prior to making her testimony. Despite the defense's useless attempts to find the narrowest of excuses, DNA evidence placed all six suspects at the crime scene (four initial suspects plus two others).
In Case That Transfixed a Nation, Court in India Convicts Four Men of Rape
In Case That Transfixed a Nation, Court in India Convicts Four Men of Rape
Update from separate article: On September 13, the four men were sentence to death by hanging, leading to much rejoice for the citizens of India. People are said to have found a new hope in the government's awareness of sexual crimes.
Discussion Questions:
1. The woman's parents, along with the general public, strongly encourage the death penalty for these men because of how horrible their actions were. Although we are taught not to follow the idea of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth...,” is there evidence in this event that perhaps that is sometimes the best decision? Or should the lives of these men be spared?
2. How does this event represent and affect the progression or regression of gender roles in India?
3. The man who was driving the bus at some points during the incident hanged himself while he was in jail. Had he survived do you believe he should've been given the death penalty for allowing the rape to continue, even though he did not directly contribute to it?
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