October 4th

Sanskrit Pearl of the day:

अरक्षिता गृहे रुद्धाः पुरुषैराप्तकारिभिः ।

आत्मानमात्मना यास्तु रक्षेयुस्ताः सुरक्षिताः ॥

- मनुस्मृति

Transliteration:

arakṣitā gṛhe ruddhāḥ puruśairāptakāribhiḥ ।

ātmānamātmanā yāstu rakṣeyustāḥ surakṣitāḥ ॥

- manusmṛti

Meaning of the subhAShita:

Unguarded are women who are confined at home under dependable caretakers. Secure are those who can defend themselves all on their own.  

Commentary:

It is a deeply flawed notion that the way to protect a woman is to keep her confined at home, surrounded by barriers, or guarded by trusted guardians. In reality, such restrictions do not ensure safety. Instead, they leave the woman vulnerable in the truest sense—helpless, dependent, and shackled.

Why is this so? No one can foresee every challenge life may throw her way. She should not be gullible and be misled by evil elements. In a moment of crisis, she cannot suddenly develop the competence or courage needed to confront adversity. Those who genuinely care for a woman's well-being must encourage her to hone her skills and sharpen her instincts.  Every individual, regardless of gender, must cultivate self-reliance and learn to stand on their own, without relying on others for protection.

The idea of restraining daughters, wives, or sisters inside the home under the guise of "keeping them safe" is not just misguided—it is absurd!

As the poet insightfully proclaims, true empowerment comes from equipping a woman with the skills and confidence to protect and defend themselves. A woman who possesses the ability to face life’s challenges head-on, without hesitation, is the one who is truly free. This strength can only be achieved through education, exposure to the world (with prudence), and the freedom to express her thoughts and desires.

This is what real empowerment looks like - women standing strong, prepared for whatever life may bring, and knowing they are capable of overcoming it. Empowerment is not found in restraint but in liberation. It is about fostering confidence, independence, and resilience—qualities that can only flourish when women are trusted to explore the world and grow.  Life is all about finding ourselves, embracing our strengths and weaknesses, and being true to who we are, without any inhibitions.  

This truly is the essence of women’s empowerment!

pada vigrahaH:

अरक्षिता गृहे रुद्धाः पुरुषैः आप्त-कारिभिः ।

arakṣitā gṛhe ruddhāḥ puruṣaiḥ āpta-kāribhiḥ ।

आत्मानम्-आत्मना याः तु रक्षेयुः ताः सुरक्षिताः ॥

ātmānam-ātmanā yāḥ tu rakṣeyuḥ tāḥ surakṣitāḥ ॥

Alternate Transliteration:

arakShitaa gRuhe ruddhaaH puruShairaaptakaaribhiH | 

aatmaanamaatmanaa yaastu rakSheyustaaH surakShitaaH || 

- manusmRuti

arakShitaa gRuhe ruddhaaH puruShaiH aapta-kaaribhiH | 

aatmaanam-aatmanaa yaaH tu rakSheyuH taaH surakShitaaH ||