Tejpal case: Shoma’s resignation was an escapist approach

Rape culture is one of the most rampant problems in India. Recent cases of rape in the country has established this fact. Now, the issue of rape culture has become a national problem to create public awareness in India. The Tehelka episode stands testimony to the fact that crimes against women, especially in the corporate world have sharply increased.

The episode also highlights the helplessness of a woman showing that when a woman is harassed in public place or in a lift of a five star hotel, she can hardly expect any help from a bystander. Women feel insecure all the time and now they are even scared of office bosses who can misuse them. Workplace is no longer safe. Has the managing editor done a fair job by placing her resignation letter along with her five other colleagues? I do not think so.

The Tehelka magazine's image could have remained the same had Shoma Chaudhury candidly expressed something before the National Commission of Women (NCW). Novelist Arundhati Roy expressed in her recent article titled: "This is Rape Number Two" appears in Outlook magazine, "Free, Fair, Fearless.

That is Tehelka's definition of itself. Where is courage now?" It is fairly hard to believe that Ms. Shoma Chaudhury is a very distinguished and influential Indian journalist who failed to open her mouth or get involved in this issue in any way. Resignation was her best defense to escape the wrath of people.

Frankly, I keep reading her columns regularly as she has the fearless pen which writes intrepidly and draws readers in her columns. But, today, both her pen and her lips remain silent which is a shocker. How could all those journalists remain silent? Why did five other journalists place their resignations? Why did they fail to build the courage? Putting in their papers was a cover-up act in itself.

The truth must come to light. Telling the truth and facing music is the only weapon to eliminate such sort of incidents. If the Editor-in-Chief is blameless, they will have to establish it as well. Protect the victims and not the creators. Our lips must not be sealed especially when needed. Such victims need our shelter, our kindness, our consideration most of all our love.

Now, it’s important to empower people on how to deal with such people and how to react under such circumstances. They should be dynamic in their drive against rape culture. We must also be motivated to be socially liable and protect women.

Everyone must think of changing society. That’s enough!!