When an item reaches its expiry date, it is discarded. But what about human beings? This poses a significant question regarding how they are categorized. Are they mere objects or living beings?
Due to various reasons such as deceit, poverty, love, marriage, money, greed, debt, and more, these women are pushed into this profession at a young age. Those who later purchase them sell them at higher prices. They are then traded from one brothel to another, from one city to another, where their exploitation is maximized. During that time, certain aspects of their life may seem bearable.
However, a time eventually comes when their bodies weaken, and their beauty fades away. No one inquires about them then. This becomes the most challenging phase of their lives. They remain confined to a notorious world that had been shut off until now. It is a world of slavery, characterized by a cramped 6 by 6 coffin-like room that serves as their world and workplace, where an insufficient amount of light penetrates. They are unable to establish connections with the outside world or forge their own identity. When they reach the age of 35 and realize there is no work, they find themselves at a loss.
Where can someone with a red identity go? This identity cannot provide them with any work. Years of slavery have hindered their mental development. As a result, they have fallen behind in the race of life and are unable to find employment. In such circumstances, they can neither leave nor remain inside.
They are left with only two options. The first is to gather all their strength and emerge from that darkness, ready to face every situation in life. The second option is to remain in darkness, helpless. It is often observed that they choose the conditions of slavery. What is it that prevents them from breaking free? This is a deeply troubling question.
Initially, their identity, symbolized by the colour red, is noticeable, and we recognize them by that colour. They are not accepted as ordinary human beings. That is why they prefer to remain in that same red hue because no one judges them there. Despite poverty and helplessness, living in that environment seems easier. They do not have to feel ashamed.
When we encounter someone who speaks our language or hails from our region in an unfamiliar city, we feel a sense of comfort. It brings us joy. This is the fundamental human nature that arises from within us, and it applies to those women as well.
After years of slavery and living in darkness, when they step out, everything feels unfamiliar to them. No one accepts them, and they also feel uncomfortable in that environment. It is akin to keeping someone in a dark room for an extended period and then suddenly exposing them to daylight initially, their vision is obscured, and they instinctively close their eyes. Even in the presence of light, they yearn to remain in darkness.
So, is darkness their only destiny?
Today, there are more than 2 crore sex workers in our country. Every year, thousands of girls are coerced into this profession, and thousands are discarded as useless and left behind.
So, what happens to those women who are deemed useless every year? This is also a pressing question, and we must seek the answer.
God has created us as equals. We all possess equal importance, regardless of age, religion, caste, or colour. Similarly, the lives of these women hold immense value, even if they are considered useless. Their lives are invaluable.
They too deserve the right to equality that we enjoy. They have families and children, and they need the education to secure their future. They deserve to lead dignified and ordinary lives. We merely need to extend our hand towards them so that they too can bask in the light, walk-in brightness, and transform their circumstances.
This is such a socially informative article, kudos to the writer and manobal!
Thank you so much. Your words bolster our morale and inspire us to engage in this noble work.