As far as the archives take us till near the birth of mankind, women have been the traditional torchbearers of our society. They have always lead us by example. Woman...the cause for our very existence. They are the backbone of our society, constantly anchoring and maneuvering it. Morals, rules, etiquette, schematic, frame work and its strong foundations have been laid by them.

From Savitris of the silver screen who epitomised the aadarsh naari to the new Rakhi Sawanths of today who bring utter disgust and make us feel sorry, there has been a metamorphic change thereby ruining the whole celebration; tampering and distorting their image by a considerable quotient. Does it mean to say we no longer respect or honour them ? No, we do ! But conditions apply. It's no more good ol' times.

Internet and social networking have erased a social barrier which has benefitted our society. But on the flip side, have done more damage. Today, people are ready to explore. More so, women. They are no more the strong characters like our previous generations. They are now "open" to everything blaming the bloody society and their pressure cooker situation for this change. This is only a tip of the ice berg. Plenty other things exist which we are not aware of. Even if we are, let's pretend we are not ! For good.

You talk about male chauvinism, eh ? What answers do today's naari have, to justify themselves ? Why blame only men for atrocities and misdoings ? Women have cooly over taken men in many negative aspects.

A friend of mine pointed I do not respect the fairer sex. For one, I do immensly. But not those who puncture all my good notions. Where from can I afford to ? Can you tolerate an unholy man ? Ditto !

A great deal of responsibility lies with them (including those who are committed), as few morals are being compromised. A lot of cultural shift has already taken place. It will only drift further, I fear. Raging tempers and uncompromising attitudes are being adopted and adhered to. Bloated egos are a common. Flirting shamelessly is quite normal. A chill runs down my spine thinking if in future my friends or me will ever get a dignified lady to share the rest of our lives with. More importantly a dignified lady with a respectable past !! Will my lady be worthy enough for me to take utmost pride in ? I can't say ! I am not sure !

It is beyond imagination how the future generations will behave. The sub-continent is good at aping and adopting the western culture. Woman's chastity is at stake. From where do they restart then ? Well, why not glance at our glorious past ? Take a leaf out from our previous generations - our parents and grandparents. Haven't they lead meaningful lives by being in their limits ? Didn't they have fun ? Haven't their husbands taken utmost pride in them ?

A strong woman not only leads our society by example but also repairs the egoistic man into one who respects and takes immense pride in whom he is associated with. Our previous generations have done it. We can too !

In the Ramayana, Lakshmana says:
Pita yasya shoochirbuto mata yasya pativrata
Oobhabhyamewa sambhutaha tasya no chalate manaha.

Meaning: "His mind will not be deflected, who is brought up by a father who is pure and a mother who is a Pativrata. "

We are not demanding Pativratas. All we want back is the glorious woman of the past. Is it asking more ?