Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has called for a significant change in the mindset of men, urging society to confront subtle forms of discrimination against women before it’s too late.
Speaking at the News 18 She Shakti Conclave 2024 in Delhi, Dhankhar emphasized the need for a societal shift to eradicate gender bias and empower women.
The Vice President also strongly condemned the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, criticizing any downplaying of the incident as a mere "symptomatic malaise." He stated that such horrific acts must be met with widespread condemnation and not be trivialized by such remarks.
Dhankhar highlighted the positive impact of the newly passed women's reservation law, noting that it would increase female participation in governance and decision-making. He suggested that this would likely reduce disruptions in both Parliament and state legislatures, as more women contribute to shaping the country's future.
Addressing gender discrimination, the Vice President stressed that while overt discrimination can be challenged, the subtler forms are harder to tackle. "We need to hit hard at subtle discrimination," he said, adding that education is a powerful tool in overcoming inequality. He further urged men to change their mindset and attitudes toward women, warning that if they do not, it could be detrimental to society.
In reference to the Kolkata tragedy, Dhankhar expressed deep outrage at remarks that belittled the seriousness of the crime. Without directly naming individuals, he appeared to criticize comments made by senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, who reportedly referred to the incident as a "symptomatic malaise." The Vice President urged society to be "firmly dismissive and contemptuous" of such thoughts, stating, "Our hearts should bleed for such barbarity."