“If they worship Saturn (Shani), the incidents of rape will increase. They should have prayed that the people who indulge in alcoholism must not violate women. What will Shani do for them?” This was a statement made by Shankaracharya Swaroopanand recently.
Dr. Ranjana Kumari’s response to this: I believe that religion and faith is your own belief between you and your God. These are matters which are very personal. It is when these religious clergymen who have become some sort of middlemen between the God and the human, that problems and controversies arise.
Women’s Right to equality against discrimination has been guaranteed by the constitution of India under article 14 of the Constitution. To ban women from going to a place of worship, is in direct violation of this principle. Even more appalling is that heads of religious institutions are making such derogatory statements.
Instead of sensationalizing such events and using it for their own political gain, it is advisable that such figureheads use their power over people in a responsible manner, and make statements which will lead to a gender-just society.
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