Why relegate Women’s Day to a day? asks Raveena

Raveena Tandon
March 8, 2019

Bengaluru, Mar 8: It’s great that there’s a day to appreciate women and her achievements, but why do we need to relegate it to just a day?

On a brighter note, to be a woman in the 21st century is about having the chance to choose any career she wishes to. Doctor, forensic scientist, solicitor, fitness trainer, dentist, programmer… the list goes on. There’s nothing that a woman can’t do. It’s just that women should get more opportunities.

Moreover, being a feminist doesn’t mean that we have to fight for our rights to prove that we are superior. Feminism is asking for equal job opportunities in society and that’s how women need to stand strong. If not working harder, they are working equal to what any other person does but why is the preference always been given to the male colleague?

I agree to an extent that it is exciting to be a woman in the 21st century. However, there is always room to grow and progress, and I, along with many other young women, hope to continue the true essence of feminism -- achieving gender equality.

By equality, I mean equal opportunities in every field on the basis of a person’s merit. I feel women also need to take a stand about the kind of work they do. It is equally important to get good support from the society. I believe women have always had a choice and they must try and work on their own terms and conditions in a positive way.

Another element which I think is interesting to talk about on Women's Day is the progression of women’s fashion over the decades. The 21st century woman does not feel ashamed to wear what she wants to confidently that would have horrified communities a century ago. This is a topic that I believe has become controversial to women like me.

On one side, I can understand the freedom and girls having the ability to wear whatever clothes they want without being judged. But on the other hand, looking at some pieces of clothing, new extremes have definitely been established… to say the least.

Additionally, it has led to a new set of problems in which women criticise other women whose dressing sense is scandalous, as the root of objectification of women in the 21st century.

Talking about ‘women empowerment’, I think the term is quite subjective and layered. It means differently to different people. For me, it’s how I lead my life, whether I am confident enough to make a decision for myself without thinking about the repercussions, and to have the ability to dream, aspire and achieve goals. To live your life the way you want to and on your terms – for me, that is empowerment in its true sense.

I am proud of the woman I am. I am proud of all that I have done in my career to get to where I am. I am proud of the mindset I have instilled. I was raised in a strong parenthood, to be someone who is fiercely independent, who holds great integrity, feel unstoppable with all their efforts and hold ambitious personalities.

Looking back through history, women fought for their rights, women supported and empowered one another. In today’s time, I’m glad that women across the globe are confidently walking on the path of economic freedom. Modern women have even raised the topic of equal pay for equal work, sexual harassment, social, political and cultural empowerment. Women are making strides and moving forward rapidly and evolving. Women are defining their new roles and re-inventing themselves.

There is no right or wrong time to stand up for what we believe in and make our voices known and heard. I strongly feel what a woman truly wants is to live in a world where they have the freedom to be able to choose. So let’s respect that and allow her to fly high.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
Agencies
July 11,2020

New Delhi, Jul 11: The COVID-19 triggered restrictions on cinema exhibition industry have not only disheartened movie goers, but axed several thousand jobs and costed the industry an estimated ₹ 5,000 crore in revenue.

The sector has been one of the hardest hit due to COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent restrictions implemented to curb its spread.

Presently, cinemas and multiplexes continue to remain in the list of prohibited activities under the Centre's Unlock 2.0 Guidelines.

In an interview to media persons, movie exhibition major Inox Leisure's Chief Executive Alok Tandon said, "The industry on an average collects about ₹ 1,000 crore a month of 'Box Office' and on an average generates about ₹ 500 crore a month of ancillary revenues."

"Keeping in mind that the lockdown has been effective for more than 100 days now, which is about 3.5 months, the cinema exhibition industry would have accumulated losses worth ₹ 5,000 crore so far."

According to Tandon, associated businesses such as pre and post-production, make-up artistes, graphics, film set fabrication, film crew, events, marketing, F&B services have all been impacted due to the restrictions.

"With the production and exhibition of movies coming to a halt, the industry was bound to witness some job losses," he said without divulging any estimates.

As per industry data, the multiplex industry in India employs more than 200,000 people directly and accounts for nearly 60 % of revenues of the film business.

On the way forward, Tandon elaborated that the industry expects to regain business momentum and sentiment post resumption of operations.

"We believe it will be a matter of a couple of blockbusters, and we will be back to our usual operational numbers," he said.

"We are rightfully relying on the unshakeable passion of the Indian movie lovers, who are yearning to step out and spend time enjoying the giant screen experience."

Furthermore, he cited that industry has sent representation to the Centre for immediate re-commencement of operations and a support package.

"We have requested for financial support in the form of salary subsidies during the lockdown period, interest-free loans for three years, exemptions from various taxes and duties, like 'GST, Show tax, LBETs and Property taxes' for a period of one year from the date of operations, waiver on electricity minimum demand charges for one year and auto renewal of licenses and permits for the next one year," he said.

"We have been talking to our mall developer partners and are working together with them to see through this phase."

However, even after re-commencement, the industry anticipates at least 3-6 months before things return anywhere close to normal.

"The cinema ecosystem is such that we will need all the aspects of the business to swing into action and fire together for us to see a resurgence, and we are highly optimistic about the same," he said.

In terms of global experience, Tandon pointed out that cinemas have started operating in more than 25 major countries, and some of those markets are witnessing a healthy response.

"India is a massive movie market and we are confident that the passionate and responsible movie lovers will turn up in huge numbers to enjoy their favourite form of entertainment and also follow the prevention guidelines at the same time, ensuring a safe and steady revival of the cinema exhibition sector," Tandon said.

The film exhibition industry in India is mainly comprised of single screen and multiplexes.

At present there are around 9,527 cinemas across the country, including 6,327 single and 3,200 multiplex screens.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
News Network
April 2,2020

New Delhi, Apr 2: After donating to UNICEF to combat COVID-19, actor Kareena Kapoor Khan on Thursday announced that she will also contribute to PM-CARES Fund and Maharashtra's CM Relief Fund along with her husband Saif Ali Khan and son Taimur Ali Khan.

Kareena made the announcement through an Instagram post and also urged others to do their bit by doing whatever is possible.

"We extend our support to the PM CARES Fund and the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (Maharashtra)," read an official statement post by Kareena on Instagram.

"In times like these, every helping hand and every rupee raised matters. Do Help wherever possible," the statement further read.

However, the amount of donation hasn't been revealed in the post.

The star couple has joined a list of celebrities including Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal and others who too have extended support to PM CARES Fund to fight against coronavirus.

Earlier on March 31, the 'Jab We Met' actor had announced their contribution to UNICEF, GIVE INDIA and the International Association of Human Values (IAHV).

There are 1764 active coronavirus cases in the country, while 150 people have been cured and 50 have died, as per the Union Health Ministry. 

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.
Agencies
March 27,2020

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday announced that Doordarshan will retelecast iconic show 'Ramayana' from Saturday on public demand.

"Happy to announce that on public demand, we are starting retelecast of 'Ramayana' from tomorrow in DD National. One episode in morning 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., another in the evening 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.," Javdekar tweeted.

Happy to announce that on public demand, we are starting retelecast of 'Ramayana' from tomorrow, Saturday March 28 in DD National, One episode in morning 9 am to 10 am, another in the evening 9 pm to 10 pm.@narendramodi
@PIBIndia@DDNational

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) March 27, 2020
'Ramayana' is an Indian historical-drama epic television series, which aired during 1987-1988, created, written, and directed by Ramanand Sagar.

The show was a television adaptation of the ancient Indian Hindu epic of the same name, and is primarily based on Valmiki's Ramayan and Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas.

DD National also said that on public demand, amid the 21-day lockdown, it will broadcast Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan from Saturday.

Comments

Add new comment

  • Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
  • Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
  • Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
  • Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.