Gender Equality and Feminism in Contemporary India: A Balanced Perspective from Tradition to Modernity

Dr. Vinod Girder, Dr. Yograj Goswami

Abstract: In an ideal society man and woman are considered two equal wheels in carrying chariot of a family and society being a crucial part of a society at large and any one of these wheels come out of order the society as well as the economy of any nation cannot move in the proper manner. Therefore, both spouses are equally important in terms of respect, dignity and freedom. In the same manner if any one of the spouses in the marriage institution does not perform or fall short in dignity, in his or her duties and expected position, the chariot of family; even the community cannot advance smoothly in the proper direction contributing effectively and efficiently in the said society or nation. In Hinduism, man and woman represent the two halves of the divine body. There is no question of superiority or inferiority between them rather they are entitled to enjoy equal rights and perform duties bestowed on them by the nature. To harness full love, peace and prosperity there must be harmony and peaceful living between both genders. Without existence of one another?s existence cannot be imagined on the globe to fulfill the almighty?s will to maintain this creation. The present paper tries to find the answer the question whether we shall be able to achieve so called and so much discussed worldwide issue, Gender Equality by lowering the dignity and natural position of male and highlighting, excessively empowering women without any curb in all the sphere of life. Would it not disrupt the balance of chariot of society, where both wheels represent the male and female having equal responsibilities and duties besides their rights? How can gender equality be acquired by drawing a line much longer then the another; here one line of course represent of the female against male while each one equally supposed to stand up against any injustice done to the other gender. Thus, this paper is aimed to examining gender equality and feminism in contemporary India through an analytical and comparative lens, drawing on Hindu philosophy and historical context from the Vedic period to the present. It argues that equality in true sense require balance approach where neither gender is elevated at the cost of the other. Critiquing modern feminism?s tendency to prioritize women?s empowerment over mutual dignity. By exploring legal, social and cultural shifts; the present study questions whether current efforts risk creating new inequalities; advocating for a harmonious and balance co-existence that respects the complementary role of men and women as envisioned in ancient Indian Scriptures.

Keywords: Family, Indian Society, Gender equality, empowerment, injustice, male and female, feminism, Hindu Philosophy

How to Cite?: Dr. Vinod Girder, Dr. Yograj Goswami, "Gender Equality and Feminism in Contemporary India: A Balanced Perspective from Tradition to Modernity", Volume 14 Issue 3, March 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 932-936, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25319123916, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25319123916