Rajasthan Minister Govind Ram Meghwal is widely praised on social media for his remark on the Hindu custom of Karwa Chauth, observed by Indian women during the long life of their husbands. Govind Ram Meghwal said Indian women always see the moon through a sieve and pray for the long life of their husbands on Karwa Chauth, while those in developed countries live in the world of science.
Calling it unfortunate, Govind Ram Meghwal added that a husband never does the same (holding a sunrise to sunset fast on Karwa Chauth) during his wife’s long life.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of ‘Digifest’ in Jaipur, Govind Ram Meghwal said: “Women in China, (the) United States live in the world of science, but it is unfortunate that women in India see through a sieve, talk about their husband’s long life on Karwa Chauth, but a husband never does the same for his wife’s long life.
“People push (others) into superstition, they force others to fight in the name of religion and caste,” he added.
MEGHWAL SALUTE ON TWITTER
One Twitter user said: ‘So used to northern male ministers saying ugly things about women, I had to read it twice to believe the progressive statement came from a serving minister! Good job Govind Ram Meghwal ji!”
Another said: “Well done Govind Ram Meghwal, no need to apologise.”
While hailed for such a “progressive” statement, the Rajasthan minister has also drawn heavy criticism. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has slammed the Rajasthan minister saying he should be aware that astronaut Kalpana Chawla has been in space.
BJP state spokesman and MLA Ramlal Sharma said many Indian women serve as pilots. “He insulted millions of women in the country. He should apologize and withdraw his statement. The chief minister should take action against him,” Ramlal Sharma said.
The BJP leader said Indian women are known to follow traditions and they know how to balance their personal life and their profession.
MEGHWAL CLARIFIES STATEMENT
Govind Ram Meghwal then clarified his statement on Karwa Chauth saying he was not against it. The Rajasthan minister said he was just promoting scientific temperament and education.
“I am not against Karwa Chauth. Anyone who wants to follow him can do so. I was talking about the importance of scientific temperament,” he said, quoted by the PTI news agency.
Catch all the trade news, market news, breaking news and latest updates on Live Mint. Download the Mint News app to get daily market updates.
More less
