Domestic violence against women by men is a shameful phenomenon. But pretty ironically, I daresay, more shameful phenomenon is this most of instances of the atrocities on women originates from women itself. But so sad, the present Act on Protection of Women from
Domestic Violence has shown the male-folk in exceedingly poor light. An act of cruelty by some despotic husbands aside, in many of the cases it is mother-in laws or even sister in-laws who are the worst backstabbers against the newly wed naïve brides.
Males are often misguided and brainwash into thinking against their better-halves, where those self-righteously bitchy women (mother and sister-in-laws) tend to find faults with the bride and mercilessly heap abuses on her leading to most vicious situation at home. The heat of conspiracy and gossips against the bride is so raging the warmth of love shown by the wife fails to reach the heart of the husband. If real studies are conducted, the male is often pushed to most unpleasantly confusing situation and incited his hatred against the wife by none other then the heartless women in the family.
However, I strongly wish let the marital bond be strengthened by warmth of love, forgiveness, tolerance and mutual understanding rather than the shackles of laws and acts. I believe, an epic of marital blessedness is decorated by the poems of love alone.
Incidentally, why don’t our legislatures rather think other ways round which is positive and worthwhile in household environment? The government may consider adopting different measures and arrange workshop that provide sufficient scopes for grief-stricken husband and wife to boost up their lost confidence and help develop their power of tolerance, compassion and forgiveness. This in fact is the correct move that could definitely save the institution of marriage from being crumbled and help restore peace, love and confidence in the heart of two lovebirds.
Salil Gewali
Gewali Publications, Shillong-2
