In an observation during the hearing of a sexual assault case from Badlapur, Maharashtra, the Bombay High Court called for a cultural shift in how boys are raised. Justice Bharati Dangre, who was presiding over the hearing, invoked the phrase “Bete ko padhao, Beti ko bachao,” underscoring the need to sensitise young boys on respecting women and treating them as equals. The statement, a twist on the government’s slogan “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter), comes as a clarion call for a society grappling with frequent gender-based violence.
The Badlapur Case: A Brutal Reminder
The case that brought this statement to the fore revolves around the heinous sexual assault of a minor girl in Badlapur, a suburban town near Mumbai. The details of the incident paint a grim picture of societal apathy towards women’s safety, with the girl being subjected to repeated physical and sexual abuse by a group of young men.
The incident not only highlighted the deteriorating situation of women’s safety in Maharashtra but also reflected a broader pattern seen across India. Despite numerous laws, reforms, and awareness campaigns, crimes against women, particularly sexual assaults, remain disturbingly high. The brutal nature of this assault, with the involvement of minors among the accused, has shocked the conscience of the nation and triggered intense discussions on the root causes of such acts.
Justice Dangre’s Observations: A Wake-Up Call
While hearing the bail application of one of the accused, Justice Dangre expressed her dismay at the increasing number of sexual crimes and the age of the offenders involved. The judge remarked that society’s focus needs to shift from merely protecting and educating girls to ensuring that boys are raised with values that prevent them from committing such atrocities.
Justice Dangre’s statement “Bete ko padhao, Beti ko bachao” signals a pressing need to reform the way Indian society raises its boys. She highlighted how the responsibility of parents, schools, and society as a whole goes beyond the education of girls—it is equally crucial to instill empathy, gender sensitivity, and respect for women in boys from a young age.
“Parents, teachers, and elders should impart values to their sons that teach them to treat women with dignity and equality,” she stated. “Until we do this, merely saving and educating our daughters will not be enough.”
The Larger Social Context
The judge’s remarks resonate deeply with the ongoing social and cultural issues that India faces regarding gender violence. Campaigns such as the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” scheme have been pivotal in improving access to education for girls and curbing female foeticide. However, experts argue that these efforts cannot be a one-sided approach. While empowering women and girls is essential, it is equally important to address the attitudes of young men and boys.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows a disturbing rise in crimes against women in the last few years. Several social analysts have pointed out that many offenders in sexual assault cases are young men and boys who lack proper guidance on how to treat women with respect. Traditional patriarchal norms, toxic masculinity, and distorted notions of male superiority often lead to crimes against women.
The Role of Education in Preventing Gender Violence
Education is not only about imparting knowledge but also about shaping character. Justice Dangre emphasized the importance of teaching boys from an early age about gender equality, respect, and consent. Schools, in particular, have a significant role to play in this process by incorporating sex education and gender sensitivity training into the curriculum.
Experts believe that children are often exposed to toxic influences through media, peer groups, and even within their families. Without proper guidance, young boys may grow up adopting misogynistic attitudes, which can manifest in harmful ways. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach that involves families, schools, and community leaders working together to change the narrative.
The judge also mentioned the influence of online content, including pornography and social media, in shaping the minds of young men. With the easy accessibility of degrading and violent content, it is becoming increasingly difficult to monitor what boys are exposed to. Parents, therefore, need to play a proactive role in supervising and discussing these topics openly with their children.
Towards a Safer Future: Need for Legal and Social Reforms
Justice Dangre’s statement is not just a call for parental responsibility but a broader appeal for societal introspection. Legal experts, social activists, and educators have long argued that without addressing the root causes of gender-based violence, punitive measures alone will not suffice.
The Bombay High Court’s stance highlights that while stringent laws are necessary, they must be complemented by societal change. Schools and community institutions must be empowered to implement programs aimed at educating boys about respect, consent, and the importance of gender equality.
The Badlapur sexual assault case serves as a reminder that it is time to move beyond slogans and start taking tangible steps toward preventing gender-based violence. By educating boys, not just academically but morally, society can hope to create a future where gender violence is not tolerated, and women can live without fear.
In the words of Justice Dangre, “Educating our boys is the first step toward saving our daughters.”