A Humble Appeal for a Better Tomorrow

Our society is male-dominated, and there is a need for change. Men often consider themselves superior, and women, when they become daughters-in-law, experience the consequences of this mindset. Ironically, when some women become mothers-in-law, they too begin to reinforce patriarchal attitudes. We need to instill good values in our children to build a better society.

After the birth of girls, they should not be taught that household work is solely a woman's responsibility. Instead, children should be taught that everyone should be self-reliant and capable of managing their own tasks. Fathers, in particular, should take an active role in teaching girls and boys skills such as cooking, so that children do not grow up believing that only women are responsible for domestic work. Otherwise, the day may not be far when fewer people are willing to marry, and relationships will continue to break down.

For girls, the term maayka (parental home) is commonly used, while a boy's home is simply called "home." Even a girl's parental home should be regarded and referred to as her home. There should be improvement in our language and terminology. Consider the fate of many women: even after becoming mothers, they often long to visit their parental home, yet they remain constrained by expectations from their in-laws.

Fortunately, daughters-in-law today are increasingly paying attention to their own happiness, which is essential for mental health. In earlier times, women could visit their parental homes only after long intervals. Society has improved with time, and this change is necessary. A daughter-in-law's happiness should also matter in her marital home. After all, that is where she is expected to find love and belonging; otherwise, she may feel like an outsider from the very first day.

Daughters-in-law should understand their boundaries, and so should their in-laws. Otherwise, relationships will become mere formalities, and over time, families may lose their true essence and become emotionally empty. Love involves sacrifice and understanding, not commands and control. We must recognize this. Every parent has a responsibility to contribute to the creation of a healthy society. We must first understand these values ourselves and then work together to create balance between family life and professional life through love and mutual respect.

Women should show affection and support toward other women. First and foremost, we must improve ourselves. My humble request is that, even if we struggle to change ourselves completely, we should at least demonstrate equality and fairness to future generations.

Society has become deeply troubled. It is heartbreaking to hear of girls being killed in their marital homes and the deaths being labeled as suicides. One wonders why such incidents are rarely associated with men in their in-laws' homes. We must understand how far society has deteriorated.

Those who commit such acts seem to have lost their humanity. Calling them animals does not even feel appropriate, because animals possess immense love and generally do not kill members of their own species. Such people have become like demons, consumed by unchecked lust, anger, greed, and attachment.

We must bring change within ourselves and raise our children with strong values so that we can create peace for ourselves and for others. Otherwise, the day is not far when ignorance—not the lack of formal education, but the absence of moral discipline and self-control—will isolate every individual from one another.

Everyone wishes to live, but when we face death, regret may be all that remains in our memories. What happens after death remains a mystery, yet the law of conservation of energy is true. Could this distorted energy take on a new form once again?

— Ila