Grudging, Judging!

Manu Shrivastava | Mumbai

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat's "ripped jeans" remarks stirred a hornet's nest across the country. Soon after he made the statement, social media was inundated with pictures of women in 'ripped jeans' as a mark of protest. While terming the controversial remark a "faux pas", Union Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani also said 'there are certain things which are sacrosanct and one of them being a woman's right to choose the way she wants to live her life and engage with society as she deems fit.'

OUTRAGED: The remarks have once again initiated discussion on a woman's right of choice

Grandson of the Father of Indian Constitution Dr B. R. Ambedkar, People’s Education Society Chairman and social worker Anandraj Ambedkar says, "The Constitution of India guarantees equal rights to men and women of India; the fundamental right of Freedom of Speech and Expression guarantees this to all women. There are elements across political parties and not restricted to just ‘a’ particular party, who want women in the country to just stay indoors and be home-makers. This is their interpretation of Manusmriti. That’s surely not the India, Babasaheb had envisaged. This kind of attitude needs to change. And, the change needs to come from within."

FREEDOM: Anandraj Ambedkar says the Constitution of India guarantees Freedom of Speech and Expression to all

“How can clothes define one’s morality?” spews an irate Pune-based liberal arts student CVTL Manasvini, outraged on the issue triggered, this time, by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trilok Singh Rawat’s controversial statement on ripped jeans. 

“People tend to associate a certain type of attire to a set of characteristics which I feel is so wrong. Each girl is as an individual and should not be judged by what she wears. No male’s choice of clothes are associated with his ‘character‘? Then, why this differential treatment with girls?” 

TAKING A STAND: CVTL Manasvini

Thwarting traditional stereotypes where a girl from an educated family must dress up and carry herself in a certain way, Ahmedabad-born Manasvini wears what she loves. “My father is a scientist at ISRO, Ahmedabad but never have my parents posed any restriction on what I wear. It’s just such a petty thing,” she says.

Attributing characteristics like morality to someone’s attire is illogical anyway, she adds. “Why, martyr Bhagat Singh wore a khaki shirt and pant while his contemporaries wore dhoti kurta. That didn’t define them or what they did for the country, did it?” says a frustrated Manasvini, to drive home the point among the rigid. 

In every society, there are those who feel they can interfere with a woman’s life and dictate what she should or not wear. “So, by this logic, in countries where women wear ‘western outfits’ are they not capable of doing anything serious?" 

What about leaders like New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern? Or for that matter, the United State’s newly-elected female vice president Kamala Harris. Do they not know how to govern? Or, do they not do any work of serious measure? No one has the right to tell what a woman should wear,” says Manasvini.

Mumbai-based Fiona Mehta, presently studying law in the UK, incidentally, wears ripped jeans all the time. “And, why not,” she says. “I look good, I feel good and I couldn’t care less about what others feel about it,” says Fiona, adding “I have seen the most backward in the most urban setups. Parochial attitudes have little to do with economic welfare.” 

It’s time to stop pointing fingers at women and, instead, tell men to change their mindset. It’s just not fair to girls. I love wearing jeans and, in summers, prefer something short and more comfortable. Either way, I like to dress up as it makes me feel confident and happy.”

TIME FOR CHANGE: Law student Fiona Mehta wants men to change their mindset

Fortunately for Fiona, her parents have always been supportive of her decisions but “they’d always tell me to be on guard if I am stepping out wearing something short.” Like most girls, even Fiona is “used to the cat-calling” but feels “girls should not take it ‘in their stride’ anyway.”

So, Fiona can call out a cat-caller with unassuming ease. “As long as you are ready to take the criticism, they’ll keep doling it out to you,” she says. “You have to lay down the rules. Nobody can tell you what to wear and how to wear it,” adds the spunky law student.

Mumbai-based biker Abhinaya Natarajan says it’s important for girls to put their foot down whenever needed. “Today, women are doing everything men would and more. My bike and my clothes are extensions of my personality. Just like I choose what to ride, I choose what to wear and no one can or should stop me from being who I am.” 

There are certain things that just cannot be done wearing traditional Indian outfits. “I cannot ride my Royal Enfield to Leh in a saree. Can I? I’ll have to wear what is appropriate for the purpose. And, that shouldn’t define who I am. I am a lot more than that,” says the biker.

ON TRACK: Abhinaya Natarajan feels what women wear should not define them

Entrepreneur Priti Rathi gets “all riled up,” with the distinction Society makes between men and women. “Why are men not judged for what they wear?” she questions. “It’s time, women are not judged solely by what they wear. I think COVID has made us realise that there are more important things to worry about than just clothes,” says Priti. Also as a mother, there were times when she’d tell her daughter to not wear something for certain occasions but “that has to stop and we have to teach boys that this is 'freedom' that women have as much as men in the country.”

(Note: Some subjects may have removed their masks only to be identified in photographs to be used with this news report. COVID-19 appropriate behaviour has been maintained at all times)