The Lucious Western Ghats of Kodagu echoes the songs of love, yet the hearts of many women remained unheard. The sanctity of love is not tested by the society and beauty of the word itself, but by the unyielding willingness whose heart had been shaped by pride, control and deeply rooted prejudice.
They called it Culture !
They called it aÂ
Family Honor !
The harm and heinous activities inflicted on any woman by the families, communities, society on whole is something far more stubborn, but the laws of dignity are always the corner stones of justice. Articles from the Indian Constitution A(14), A(15), A(21), A-39(a) & A-39(d) guarantees the Equality of life of dignity , but they alone cannot heal a soul that has stood broken, worn down through years of manipulation. Societies and Communities must recognize every emotional abuse and the devastating physical and verbal violences.
Yet beneath the weight of oppression lies a question that every generation must answer: How many women sacrifice their dignity before their own family, whereas choose to submit before a family’s honor or finally learns the meaningfulness of humanity in the roots of culture?
The systematic wholeness of exploitations of women under the weight of traditions, power, education and societal expectation lies a reality seldom which is never spoken assuming the warmth and unity of a small community. People say, “It’s Okay”, later the ones being the individuals who have laughed in their hamlets: “Too Upfront, Too Dramatic, too chaotic, Be Practical, Come to Reality”.
A nations progress can’t be just measured solely by its economic growth or technological advancement. Perhaps should be measured by how safely its women can live, how freely they can love, how confidently they can dream, and how firmly justice stands beside them when they are wronged.
The Bird and The Thorn
The shared companionship of a birds and a wildflower in the forest is always pure, welcoming and to blossom with grace. Togetherness made the Meadows and valleys look brighter. Likewise, a flock of birds always fly together as their feathers are similar and the like instincts shared. But a single bird often flies away from the flowers not because it has lost its beauty and charm, but the birdie fears from the storms caused by the mankind, which becomes fierce to navigate.
For nature knows a simple remarkable truth: No thorn can change the fragrance of a genuine flower. Yet a thorn only wounds those who come too close with the wrong intent. So is the reputation….It may be bruised by whispers, but character is restored by time and quiet resilience. It is never the flower that carries the burden of thorn’s bitterness. It is the garden that loses its harmony when envy is mistaken for love and control is disguised as protection.
The sun never asks the universe before offering its warmth. Likewise, honeybees always find nectar in every petal irrespective whether it’s a wildflower, medicinal flower or Scented flower. Alongside the butterflies dancing freely around every corner of flower without permission and prejudice.
Yet the seasons possess a wisdom greater than pride.
Raising a child in today’s world to respect woman in specific is far greater than controlling their choices through fear and emotional coercion. Families and society must understand : Honor cannot be built upon the tears of an innocent woman.
Where it Happens and Why it must Stop
This silence follows woman through every stage of life.
At the workplace, women who are capable are routinely passed over for promotions, underpaid for equal work, or made to navigate hostile environments where complaints are dismissed as “Overreacting”.
While studying, young girls in smaller towns and villages of Kodagu still face resistance to higher education, early-marriage pressure, and safety concerns that keep families from allowing them to travel or live independently.
In love, as the verses above lay bare, a woman’s choice of partner is too often treated as a referendum on family honor rather than her own right to happiness – sometimes with tragic, even violent, consequences.
And in old age, the very women who spent decades holding families together frequently find themselves sidelined, financially dependent, and unheard in decisions about their own care.
The Law Is Already on Her Side
The tragedy is that, “the protection women need” already exists in law- It is awareness and enforcement that lag behind.
Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution guarantee equality, non-discrimination and the right to life with dignity.
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 covers physical, emotional, verbal and economic abuse, and allows a woman to remain in her shared household while seeking protection orders.
The POSH Act, 2013 requires every workplace with 10 or more employees to maintain an Internal Complaints Committee for sexual harassment.
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and the Special Marriage Act, 1954 protect a woman’s right to choose when, and whom, she marries – regardless of family objection.
The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 entitles elderly women to maintenance and protection from neglect by their own children.
Awareness must reach the hamlet, not stop at the courtroom.
The wildflower in the meadow never asked for admiration; it simply bloomed, and the valley was brighter for it. Mother Earth’s daughters deserve nothing less than the freedom to do the same – without a single thorn mistaken for love.
By: Charvi J K. B.E, Civil, Hosoor, Ammathi.
