Women in India

"The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world" is a saying which is well followed in India. A woman is a much respected and worshipped figure in a family. She is considered as a family's backbone without whom the basis of an Indian household is incomplete. The Hindu mythology and festivals celebrated give due credits to the womenfolk. The earth is regarded as the Goddess Bhooma Devi on whom the survival of mankind depends. It is considered by Hindu families that the birth of the first child as a girl, is a sign of prosperity - the arrival of Lakshmi - the Indian Goddess of wealth and virtue. The wife in a family is the pillar of strength on whom everybody depends. It is she who cooks, caters to the needs of her husband and children, and who virtually reigns the household. All the festivals of India are celebrated with special tributes to the womenfolk of the house without whom the occasion would never be a colourful one. When the need arises, she supports her family by taking over a man's responsibility. History supports this to a great extent. Kitchen used to be the domain of women of India. Now, they have stepped out of the kitchen threshold and are as much educated as men. Also, there are a number of policies framed by the government for the welfare of women. Among the many Indian women who have put India on the global map are the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Police Officer Kiran Bedi, Classical singer M.S.Subbulakshmi, Playback Singer Lata Mangeshkar, Ace mountaineer Bachendri Pal, Athlete P.T.Usha, former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen, Mathematician Shakuntala Devi and Danseuse Padma Subramaniam. One of the most enterprising women rulers of India has been the Queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai. She has fought many wars and has led her armies to victory. The Moghul queen of Emperor Jahangir, Empress Noorjehan ruled the empire on behalf of the King. Aruna Asaf Ali and Dr.Annie Besant are well remembered freedom fightors of India. Dr.Muthu Lakshmi Reddy, Dr.Durga Bai Deshmukh, Dr.Preethika Chari are all noted women doctors in India who have pioneered and contributed to the progress of medical facilities in the country.