Social Roots of Gender Injustice (Besant Lecture 2001)

By Madhu Dandavate (1924 - 2005).

17 Pages | First reprint 2005 | A Besant Lecture given at the Theosophical Society, Adyar, Chennai on Thursday, 27 Dec. 2001 | Theosophical Publishing House, Adyar | ISBN: 8170594804.

Gender injustice is an evil that exists even today, though in a less virulent form than in earlier times. In this lecture, Prof. Madhu Dandavate traces the roots of this inequality from mythological to contemporary times and the involvement of social reformers like Dr. Annie Besant, Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi in attempting to wipe out this black spot in civilized nations.

Prof. Madhu Dandavate, freedom fighter for Indian Independence, former Union Cabinet Minister in India and author of several books on social and political issues, is a well respected public figure in India. He is known for his tireless work and commitment to social issues.

From page 17:

" With my criticism of social orthodoxy on the question of gender injustice, my speech may please some and displease others. In this context, I would like to conclude by again quoting Dr. Annie Besant, who wrote in her autobiography:

'Here, as at other times in my life, I dare not purchase peace with a lie. An imperious necessity forces me to speak the truth as I see it, whether the speech please or displease, whether it brings praise or blame. That one loyalty to Truth I must keep stainless, whatever friendships fail me or human ties be broken. She may lead me to the wilderness, yet I must follow her she may strip me of all love, yet I must pursue her, though she slay me, yet will I trust in her; and I ask no other epitaph on my tomb but;

'SHE TRIED TO FOLLOW TRUTH' "