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India's Loss of Values

Clovis Maksoud comments on the plight of women in India.
A participant leaves a candle next to a sign during a candlelight vigil for the Indian rape victim, who passed away last Friday, in Singapore January 2, 2013. The death of the 23-year-old woman, who has not been named, prompted street protests across India, international outrage and promises from the government of tougher punishments for offenders. About 150 people took part in the vigil in Singapore. REUTERS/Edgar Su (SINGAPORE - Tags: OBITUARY SOCIETY CIVIL UNREST)

India! Where are you going?

The women of India, who were once empowered, are now being abused in such a manner that it embarrasses India and those like me, who have always maintained India as a model of secularlism and democracy and who have known Indian women as a humanizing force. To read and hear about what is taking place concerning women's dignity and honor is very disturbing to those of us who have always considered India the anchor of democratic values and dignity of humanity.

It would be a great shame and a major disappointment if the abuse of women isn't stopped and their human dignity recognized and celebrated. The shame that is being done to women at this juncture must cease, apologies must be made and corrective measures should be enforced, so that what has been taking place is considered an aberration rather than Indian behavior.

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