Yashaswini (Yashi) Bhowmick, Grade 7

Middle School Runner-up
Pooler, GA

India is one of the oldest river-valley civilizations and the largest democracy in the world. It is home to a civilization that is over 5,000 years old and is considered a melting pot of traditions, cultures, and people. However, there are several issues such as corruption, inflation, illiteracy, and health that genuinely need our attention. To me, the most significant issue facing India and its people today is the issue of women's safety and the lack of protection for women. Being born and raised in the US to Indian parents, I have learned to embrace Swami Vivekananda’s views on women and womanhood. Swamiji once said, “If you can improve the condition of your women? Then there will be hope for your well-being. Otherwise, you will remain as backward as you are now.” Well, if we don’t take care of this problem right away, it will hinder the growth and development of India. Swamiji believed that there is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. Afterall, it is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing. I have learned so much about India from my mother as well as traveling to India to meet my grandparents and relatives many times. I have learned about Nirbhaya and several such horrific incidents that still haunt the civilization that taught us “The divine are extremely happy where women are respected; where they are not, all actions are fruitless.” Yes, I am quoting from Manusmriti, whom I have learnt and discussed with my mother. There has been a “series of incidents'' regarding the lack of women’s safety, and that isn’t just a lack of safety, but also a lack of knowledge regarding these delicate yet increasingly common happenings. 

 Globalization has made the world glocal (global+local) and has opened up new and better opportunities for men and women. As a young living here in the U.S., I believe that I can play a part in the solution. I would like to “be the change that you (I) wish to see in the world”, as said by Mahatma Gandhi. An innumerable amount of actions can be taken to safeguard India’s females. Firstly, every school can have mandatory martial arts classes, and this can also help with the illiteracy problem in India, allowing more students to feel enthusiastic to go to school, especially in the more rural spaces in India. It is also possible to create special applications (apps) that are completely dedicated to the safety of women, such as an app that will send notifications of any sex offenders living in the area. I would name my app Ikshana, which in Sanskrit means care and superintendence. 

Every year, when I visit my grandparents in India, I go and spend time with kids in a school known as the Blind School. I always worry about girls and young kids who are more vulnerable and are easier targets, especially those with disabilities. One could say that it gives me an opportunity to understand the meaning of the word ‘empathy.’ I would like to start an online interactive session with kids in India and teach them the concept of ‘safe space’ and discuss with them the importance of Ikshana, and what it can do. Knowledge is a powerful tool that will teach them how to protect themselves even if they do not have the necessary and fundamental street smarts of what life CAN BE!