This is in response to the views expressed by Dr.
Chandralata Deshmukh on “Women’s Empowerment” in CHANGE, May-June 2003, with
reference to my article “Defend Yourself”, which appeared in the March-April
2003 issue.
The article primarily focused on the importance of Self-Defence and was not
intended to make women objects of sympathy. The example of Sati was cited
merely to show the helplessness of women in the past and was not meant to
defame the redeemers.
Though the concerns expressed by Dr. Deshmukh, viz. abortion of female
foetuses, dowry, etc. do exist in society, the same are irrelevant in the
context of the article, i.e. Self-Defence.
The issues mentioned by Dr. Deshmukh are quite different from the subject of
the article and should be addressed separately. However, today, the
situation is different. The status of women in society has improved
considerably, and equal opportunities are provided to women to compete and
excel in all fields.
Ashok V. Palande,
E & E Services