Deepali

Going through an article on Deepali Chavan once again I regretted the loss. An able forest officer, known for being so clean, competent & helpful did not get the help when needed.

At the age of 29, when she has the job she loved, a caring husband & her entire career in front of her. In the 7 years of service she came across her bosses who never cared for her. Sending her to the field work or make her stand for hours,after knowing about her pregnancy…. resulted in her miscarriage.

Taking her own life must have been her last resort. The revolver as a weapon was used as an end to all her sufferings. Leaving the job was not the way out. Visiting the ministers was of no use. Verbal or written complaints were futile.

What can we do to help such women? Men will be men. Educating them from their childhood to care for the females in the family is the only way. Respecting or following the orders of a lady boss is found difficult by men. Why? Actually she has reached the position with double the effort. Why is it never appreciated?

To look down at the women in the family is a given. Why? because familiarity breeds contempt? How can the rules be different for the gents in the family?

I have been wondering on these lines for years. Being the eldest gave me a unique position then. Also having extraordinary parents gave me more credit. That was never my achievement but a given none-the less. As the shift of nuclear to joint family came I was totally unprepared.

Years of toil then made me what I am today. Was it bending or being more flexible? Being shameless or without pride ? I am yet not sure but made me more suitable for the coming times. Your psyche is what takes the the blow. At times it is tough but the high profile job must make it too sharp & unbearable.

I hope none have to go through that pain. A woman endures more than any man but he needs to realise it. The amount of pain on your way is just bearable for you. You are chosen to be in that position. No one else can take your place!