MOLESTATION

of men have admitted to feeling uncomfortable when a woman is disrespected or mistreated in their presence. Most of this 80% will usually remain silent bystanders but protesting, resisting and talking can all have a positive impact. Alcohol clouds judgement. Be responsible when you use alcohol, more than 60% of rapists have been seen to have used alcohol just before the incident. To the girls I say, much the same: Do not succumb to the pressure of others, have the courage to protest, to complain and to stand up for your rights. Share your concerns with your parents and teachers; while your friends will always want the best for you, they might not be mature enough to guide you. Trust a responsible adult. Very often a close relative or a family friend may try to access your body in inappropriate ways. Please speak about it, do not feel guilty or ashamed.

To my former students, who cover the entire gamut of parenthood, from soon to be grandparents to soon-to-be parents: Remember to teach your sons the dangers of inappropriate sexual behaviour as carefully as you teach your daughters. While most schools are doing a very good job of imparting structured academic learning and building physical strength and resilience through structured sports and games, the all-important social, emotional and spiritual components very often get over looked. This learning has to be a collaborative process, between the teachers, the parents and the community and must permeate every domain of the school programme.

Warm Regards, Arun Kapur

(The author is an educationist. He is the Director of Vasant Valley School, New Delhi and Director of the Royal Academy, Bhutan) Follow our special series at: We have started the conversation, but we want to hear from you. Write to us at: