(my reply to the article by shashi tharoor mentioned above)
Lets us get to the point. The sari indeed faces a sorry fate, here in India. But since I belong to the much criticized younger generation which does not believe in wearing saris, I thought I must provide you with this side of the story.
Like many a young women must have told you, the sari is in reality cumbersome. As we compete on equal terms today, we would like to be more comfortable in what we wear. We would like to think more clearly about other issues rather than worry about whether our pallav is in place. Also the fact that we really have to run a marathon race every single day of our life- in buses and trains- makes the sari slightly obsolete. I remember, when I wore a sari for ‘traditional day’ in college, it was very difficult to carry the entire ensemble with billowing pallavs for an entire day. Let alone throughout my life.
You are right when you say that there is something less utilitarian about rejection of sari as a daily wear. I feel empowered when I wear salwar kameez and go to work because I can stop thinking that I am a woman. I forget that I have a gender. I am at ease and I am just ‘me.’ It also helps to increase secularism. When me and my colleagues, all wear similar kind of clothes whether trousers, skirts or salwar kameez, we all forget about our religions and castes and work productively in a conducive environment.
As you have said, you do not want to be sexist. But alas! You have ended up being one! (Perhaps unknowingly) I find it amusing that you should notice the change in attire of Indian women only. Indian men, I am sure, also have stopped wearing the traditional attire- the ‘Dhoti.’ In fact the dhoti has become outdated even before the sari. At least the remnants of a sari are visible. The dhoti has performed the invisibility act a long time ago. How many times have you seen men decked up in dhotis, jackets and a Gandhi cap going to work? The inspirational leaders you talk about were all from the early 20th century. My mother who belongs to the previous generation still wears a sari. My father on the other hand, has never even seen a dhoti, let alone wear it. Why don’t we do justice to both sexes then and criticize them equally? Why single out women and blame them for deciding to decrease donning the sari? Isn’t that sexist Mr.Tharoor?
You have cited the example of Gandhiji who attended the round table conference draped in a dhoti. Inspiring indeed! But as a representative of Indian culture on a platform as great a s the UN, why haven’t you considered wearing the dhoti or even Kurta Pajamas? I know you respect our culture then why not show it in your attire as well, since charity begins at home.
Worth a thought would you say?
