Case brings shame for India on international stage

Even as India is vying to occupy a seat on the global high table the Delhi gangrape has brought disrepute to the country in the international forum. Snigdhendu Bhattacharya reports. Making headlines

Even as India is vying to occupy a seat on the global high table the Delhi gangrape has brought disrepute to the country in the international forum.

An editorial in New York Times (NYT) described India as a country "which basks in its success as a growing business and technological mecca but tolerates shocking abuse of women."

"Many victims, shamed into silence and callously disregarded by a male-dominated power structure, never go to the authorities to seek justice. Women are routinely blamed for inciting violence against them," the paper commented.

"Sexual violence has become a national scandal in India… But women also spoke of a more pervasive form of harassment: of being groped in public; of fearing to ride buses or subways alone, of victims, not attackers, being shamed and blamed," wrote Jim Yardly in an article published under the category 'Analysis' in NYT.

Olga Khazan and Rama Laxmi, in an article titled '10 reasons why India has a sexual violence problem', in Washington Post on Saturday pointed out acceptance of domestic violence, stigmatising the victim with a lack of policemen and public safety, sluggish legal system and few convictions.

"The incident exposed a violent and chauvinistic side of a nation that is often portrayed worldwide as a rapidly growing democracy that respects personal freedom," Paul Becket, The Wall Street Journal's New Delhi bureau chief, wrote in his article.

BBC's Souptik Biswas wrote: "Analysts say deep-rooted changes in social attitudes are needed to make India's women more accepted and secure."