Dhawale slams attempts to show regressive practices as ‘Indian culture’

Mariam Dhawale, general secretary of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) has said that there were attempts to revive and legitimise Manuvad by incorporating regressive practices such as sati and the dowry system as examples of ‘Indian culture’ in the school curriculum in some States. 

Speaking on the topic ’Contemporary Indian Politics’ to members of the Kerala Secretariat Employees Association Women’s Committee at the Central Stadium in the capital on Wednesday,  she said the subversion of syllabuses was engineered in such a manner that it has left students unaware of concepts such as democracy or caste oppression.  

She raised concerns about rising crimes against children, the portrayal of oppressive practices as ‘Indian culture’, changes in laws favouring corporate interest and the portrayal of history in school textbooks. 

Citing data from the National Crime Records Bureau, Ms. Dhawale said that cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act had increased by 90% between 2022 and 2024. She alleged that the Union leaders were protecting the accused, even in the case of a gang rape of a three-year-old. 

Citing a 2023 United Nations report, she spoke about the daily struggles of women around the world. Ms. Dhawale also alleged that the changes made to the PESA Act, Forest (Conservation) Act, Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, furthered corporate interests.  

By Devadathan A.

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