Author Archives: Shashwat Mishra

In 19th century prominent women’s movement in America and Britain, it’s primarily focused on the upliftment of the position of women in the society. Discourse on women’s issue in India was enlightened by men during British rule.

New Zealand was the first country to give women the right to vote in 1893 followed by Nordic countries like Finland and Norway. The United States and the United Kingdom achieved suffrage in 1920 and 1928, respectively.

Indian women first gained a limited right to vote in 1921 under British rule. Full and universal voting rights for all women on an equal basis with men were granted when the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950.

Harmful Traditional Practices in India according to manusmriti before 19th century:

Sati System: Widow immolation practice abolished through Bengal Sati Regulation Act (1829) after reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s persistent advocacy

Child Marriage: Girls married before puberty faced health risks, leading to Age of Consent Act (1891) raising minimum age to 12 years.

Widow Remarriage Prohibition: Social ostracism of widows addressed through Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act (1856) by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.

Purdah System: Female seclusion limiting women’s social participation and mobility.

Devadasi System: Temple prostitution under religious sanction affecting thousands of women.

Female Literacy Crisis: Only 0.6% women literate in 1901 compared to 9.8% men.

Economic Dependence: Complete financial reliance on male family members.

Professional Restrictions: Exclusion from employment and public life.

Property Rights Denial: No inheritance or ownership rights under traditional laws.

After indipendence The Hindu Code Bill (1955-56) remains a milestone in India’s legal and social history, symbolizing the struggle for gender justice. It was not a complete stop to regressive practices, but it shifted the legal framework toward equality, empowering generations of women to claim their rights.

In today’s times, I see many empowered women who have forgotten the struggles of their grandmothers both paternal and maternal. Yet now they desire again a religious nation ‘Hindu Rashtra’ rule of manusmriti. They have achieved their own progress, but they want to push the next generation back into that same struggle.

How did you meet your significant other?

A solitary heart in a solitary road,
Yet dreams whisper of a gentle abode.
In silence blooms the yearning deep,
For a soul to share, for a bond to keep.

A traveler who stays by my side,
At some bend becomes my guide.
Like a piller that’s firm and true,
Rooted deep, yet close to you.

What’s a cultural tradition from your country that you love?

Kathak is a classical Indian dance form known for its storytelling through rhythmic footwork, facial expressions, and graceful movements. Kathak dance has a traditional and cultural heritage that gives it the status of the Indian classical dance form.

Kathak dance originated from Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), a state in North India. Studies suggest that Kathak originated in Varanasi. Ancient traveling bards shared myths and epics through music, mime, and movement.

If you could relive one day from your past, which day would it be and why?

The joys that linger longest in our memories are the ones we missed out on experiencing. The very lack of an event makes it echo louder in our inner world.

The joys we never lived often shine brighter in memory than the ones we did because imagination polishes them into perfection. Missed experiences become timeless possibilities, untouched by disappointment or decay.

It’s almost as if memory is less about what happened, and more about what could have happened. The missed festival, the unspoken love, the journey never taken, they become eternal companions, whispering possibilities into our life.

If you could erase one event from history, what would it be?

The invention of the atomic bomb is one of those historical turning points that reshaped humanity not only through the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but also by ushering in the nuclear age, the Cold War, and the constant shadow of mutually assured destruction.

The atomic bomb still casts a long shadow over global politics. Even today, tensions between nations like the United States and Iran often invoke nuclear weapons whether in accusations, deterrence strategies, or diplomatic negotiations.

There is long-running conflict of rhetoric, sanctions, and proxy battles, where nuclear capability is used as a symbol of power and fear. Iran’s nuclear program has been a central issue for decades, with the U.S. and allies pressing to prevent weaponization.

While Iran insists on its right to peaceful nuclear energy. This struggle is less about actual bombs being dropped, and more about the threat of them shaping diplomacy, alliances, and military posturing.

What’s a conspiracy theory you actually find believable?

Can there be anything in a person’s destiny that transcends wealth, political influence, intellectual brilliance, and social prestige? This question is relevant because, despite possessing all these in abundance, some individuals still appear dissatisfied.

Apart from all this, what is it that they might be yearning for? Perhaps even they themselves do not know. The truth is that such discontent is widespread, it plagues everyone, and even the most fortunate among us are not immune to it.

According to Swami Vivekananda, “Not I, but thou” is the key to human progress. Morality begins with this principle. No civilization can endure without this spirit of selflessness; indeed, even religion is impossible without it. Therefore, selflessness is completeness.

Buddha comes to mind as an example. He turned his back on everything—high lineage, political power, and wealth. Serving humanity was paramount to him. Similarly, Jesus Christ sacrificed his life so that others might attain immortality. Muhammad and Nanak, too, were cast in the same mold.

What’s a moment when you realized you were officially an adult?

Someday, when I sit in protest against you, 
I will demand the account of my lost sleep, 
of my stolen peace and calm. 
Every single moment spent in your thoughts, 
I will ask for the reckoning of years of waiting. 

The rebellion will be fierce, yet unseen by your eyes. 
There will be no slogans, no noise, 
only the rage accumulated in these eyes for years. 
Carrying countless complaints, I will resist, 
scratching the wounds of my heart, 
and then fall silent once again.

कभी जब हम बैठेंगे प्रोटेस्ट करने तेरे खिलाफ।
माँगेंगे हिसाब अपनी खोई हुई नींद का,
चैनो सुकून का
एक-एक पल का जो बिताए तेरे खयालों में,
हिसाब माँगेंगे वर्षों इंतज़ार का।

बग़ावत भरपूर करेंगे लेकिन तेरी नज़र में नहीं आएंगे।
ना कोई नारा होगा, ना कोई शोर होगा,
बस इन आँखों में वर्षों जमा हुआ रोष होगा।
शिकायतें लिए तमाम विरोध करेंगे,
अपने दिल के ज़ख़्म कुरेदेंगे फिर मौन रह जाएंगे।

Which is the best restaurant in your city?

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, a fearless Gen Z is rising with courage and conviction. They are raising their voices, questioning injustice, embracing responsibility, and proving that unity remains the strongest force in shaping the nation’s future.

The 2026 celebrations have placed special emphasis on Yuva Shakti(power of youth), highlighting young Indian’s role in building a developed and responsible India.

Youth participation in public discussions also reflects a broader understanding of freedom as the courage to speak, demand accountability, and work for equality, education, healthcare, and a better society.

Taste of Freedom is not only the gift we inherited;
it is also the responsibility we carry forward.

What’s a moment when a stranger completely restored your faith in people?

One who would see God in every being, one whose heart would weep for the poor, for the weak, for the outcaste, for the downtrodden, for the one in this world, inside my country or in the world.

At the same time whose grand brilliant intellect would conceive of such noble thoughts as would harmonise all conflicting sects, not only in India but outside this country, and bring a marvellous harmony, the universal religion of head and heart into existence.

This thought of universal humanism was given by Swami Vivekananda. He says nothing can be more sublime than loving and serving mankind as the worship of God.

What’s the best local dish you’ve ever eaten while traveling?

While traveling, getting peanuts with black salt and spicy green chutney(sauce) makes the experience truly delightful. This is my favourite snacks and it is easily available here.

The crunch of roasted peanuts, the sharp kick of salt, and the fiery freshness of green chutney. It’s the kind of simple roadside snack that turns travel into an experience, almost like carrying the flavor of the land with you.

The chutney’s coriander, garlic, mint, lemon, salt and green chili brightness cuts through the richness of the peanuts, making every bite feel alive.

It reminds me of how journeys often become memorable not just because of the places, but because of these small, flavorful rituals a snack at a bus stop, tea at a railway stall, or fruit from a roadside vendor.