Haryana/Hisar: There was a time when no one paid any attention to women's education. They were born solely to tend to the domestic hearth and kitchen. They remained constantly occupied with household chores, and perhaps as a consequence, they often had to endure adverse consequences. Any man, anywhere—whether inside the home or outside—could subject them to humiliation. Women lived their lives behind the *purdah* (veil).
Their sole identity was defined by the labels: "domestic," "uneducated," "witless," and "rustic." Everyone would simply remark, "She is just a woman; what could she possibly know?" In any matter, a woman's opinion held no weight. Stepping out of the house was a distant dream for women; they were deemed capable of contributing only to tasks such as gathering firewood from the forest or fetching water from the well. Due to early marriages and physical frailty, they faced numerous hardships. Furthermore, owing to frequent childbearing, their mortality rate was significantly high. Their entire existence revolved solely around the upbringing of their children.
However, that is no longer the case. Today, in our country, the utmost attention is being directed toward educating women—a truly commendable endeavor. Being educated, the modern woman now shoulders responsibilities both within the home and in the outside world. She is proving her mettle in every field. The education of women is, in turn, driving economic and social progress across the nation.
Empowered by education, women are now able to fight for their rights. They have become acutely aware of their entitlements. To a far greater extent than before, they are now capable of making independent decisions. Their education enables them to impart quality education and strong moral values ??to their children, teaching them to become self-reliant. They remain vigilant regarding the health and well-being of their children and family members, caring for every member of the household. Fundamentally, being educated has instilled within them a profound sense of inner strength and self-confidence.
Nevertheless, there remain many rural areas where women remain uneducated; our collective goal must be to ensure that they, too, receive a complete and comprehensive education. The education of women is strengthening the very foundations of our nation and society. Women possess immense knowledge, particularly in the technical sphere; moreover—and significantly—they are increasingly becoming agents of social reform, marking a truly positive beginning.
Although God may have created women to be physically weaker than men, they nonetheless embody the divine forms of Lakshmi, Durga, Kali, and Saraswati. They possess the capability to combat corruption and are inherently honest. Whether a housewife or a working professional, a woman remains acutely aware of what serves the best interests—and what poses a threat—to her family and her country. While the majority of women have adapted their attire to modern trends, a significant number still embrace their traditional attire while fulfilling their responsibilities with unwavering dedication and sincerity.
Regardless of which state they hail from, we are firmly convinced that it is the women of our nation who will transform this country from a developing nation into a developed one. However, this transformation can only occur if their self-respect remains inviolate. Therefore, we earnestly appeal to men not to regard women as inferior to anyone; indeed, women are often far more capable than they are.