'Freedom' is the first thing, we as Indians need to learn from the US, UK or other Developed Country

I do not drink, do not smoke, and I am religious. But most importantly, I do not judge a person who wants to enjoy a drink or two, or smoke. I don’t belief about pre-marital sex and who cares about my disapproval for it. These are my values and what I believe in, and are applicable only for me. For others, they have every right to live the way they want. That's their human right. They are equally right in their way of life, just the way I think, I am.

I have heard remarks on the US, UK & other developed country from several of my Indian friends who talk about their non-existent culture. (I am very sure that these people would jump into the airplane, the very moment they get a chance to settle down in those places). They cannot be more wrong. In those places, more than culture I see humanity. People here know how to respect each other. In the streets of India, I have seen many men staring at girls with those dirty eyes, and making inappropriate comments. In US, UK or other developed country, I have seen giving compliments on girls’ looks but never with the wrong/dirty intention. Here they enjoy beauty in women and respect it.

 It is up to us if we want to preserve our culture. But let's first start with ourselves, and then our children and not with the random confident and glamorous woman you see on the street. Let's implement rules on ourselves, and not for others to follow. Let's preach our culture, but not deny any one of their human rights. Let's abolish the narrow-mindedness in people that makes them believe that a woman should cloth or behave in a particular way, so that a man does not misbehave with her. The problem is not with woman's clothing. If that is the case than, why small girl Childs were also raped, molested by their neighbors, relatives or strangers?  It is inside the mind of the sociopath. We should not judge what is right or wrong for others, but for ourselves. No matter how a woman dresses in public, no man should commit a heinous crime like rape.

Today our women are more educated than ever and they can do their own thinking, as to what is morally right or wrong for them. If a man's clothing in India has changed from dhoti/kurta to t-shirts and jeans, so has a woman's. She is now carefree; she is equally glamorous and confident in a mini skirt as she is in a saree.

Our culture teaches us to respect our elders. But it doesn't teach us to stand up for ourselves if anybody elder tries to harm us. That is wrong. In our culture, we worship “Shakti (Goddess)”, but pass dirty looks on women wearing even a saree. I find it ridiculous that a significant number of men who worship goddess in various form and talk about how mighty and superior she is compared to other Gods; they never accept that men and woman are having equal rights. They will bow down to the Goddess, but act superior to their own wives not giving them the mutual respect. That's wrong. Our culture teaches us to forgive and forget, but not to protest for the betterment of our future! That is wrong. While the goodness of our culture is something we should be proud of, it is not something we should live for. It is necessary that we do not blindly believe in any form of culture, but in humanity. And humanity is the supreme culture.

 I love my country. But when I see today's woman not being able to walk around freely and without fear; when I hear about the brutal rape cases which are on the rise(more than any other time), it aches my heart. I hope you all bring awareness to those of your male and female friends, who think otherwise. Let's teach others, that if a woman travels late at night/wears revealing clothes/drinks alcohol/parties/smokes, it's not a welcome sign to touch her inappropriately/molest or rape her.

The male dominant society in India needs to change. I hope it does, and that men and woman in India become more sensitive and open to these issues. I sure have changed my point of view. There was a time in my life when I was a nerd (bore), did not party (well, I am still not a party animal) or thought badly of the women who smoke/drink alcohol. But now, I can't remember how long ago that was. The only reason I would think bad of them is if it affects their health or family.

 Hence, today, I am more human than I have ever been. And I hope my Indian friends who think otherwise, would give this a thought. Let's build a better society where there are no more rapes/assaults/molestations and women are treated equally, not only in words but also in action.