#InvestInWomen To create the trust in women

Posted: March 15, 2024

“Which school/class are your children studying?”

This was one question I kept hearing from my grandfather to those who visit our home, be it friends or relatives or just known ones. It seemed better than inquiring, “Do your children attend school?”

“Education travels with you till your last breath, so it is important to study.” My grandfather kept telling me this and to others spreading the word decades ago. This always lingered in my mind.

Years later, whenever I chanced upon meeting common people, like maintenance workers, people managing roadside eatery shops, and auto/cab drivers, I began to develop a conversation. I was curious to know how their children were doing.

Many answered they were in school but there was a catch. Boys were focused on being sent to school rather than girls.

“They would eventually get married someday. It is enough if they learn to manage household chores.”

That was the common reply.

“If she goes to school, she can manage even this country.” It was not easy when I began my talk this way. I informed them about some women achievers from our country. Some laughed, and few gave it a thought.

To invest in women, the first step was to make them believe women are not meant for household work alone. Though the mindset of people accepts this fact, it is not grounded to all. Still, somewhere the thought that women’s world revolves around their homes only stays strong.

To make my part I decided to voice out. I wanted them to believe in their daughters. I also gathered information on initiatives like the mid-day meal schemes that were introduced by the government to ensure children attend school and not starve. Also, about a few NGOs I came across who funded girls’ education primarily. I pass on such information when meeting them.

A recent survey in Hyderabad was conducted on families of lower income groups to understand the gender empowerment awareness of people and the importance of intervention through schemes such as ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’. The results revealed that many families prefer boys over girls and even the birthdays of girls are not celebrated.

Among the surveyed, 25.2% gave priority to boys over girls while serving food/purchasing new clothes/distributing house chores. About 19.8% preferred a son over a daughter due to reasons such as work, education, etc.

My journey has gone on for about a decade now. A few of them promised to provide education to their daughters and some thanked me for talking about this topic to them. It may be like throwing a pebble into the sea, but someday I believe it may turn into a tsunami.

 

Source Link – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/many-families-in-hyderabad-prefer-boys-over-girls-girls-birthdays-not-celebrated-study/articleshow/108312583.cms

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When duty towards your parents, keeps you away from your wife.

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Last evening, I bumped into an old college mate at Bandra Station. Initially, I wasn’t able to recognize him. The college heartthrob was now almost bald, with a paunch and stoop. If he wouldn’t have called me, this dude would have gone unrecognized in the crowd of thousands. Meeting after years, we didn’t just want to go without exchanging pleasantries and a promise of see you soon, so we headed to a nearby café.

Sitting opposite to him, I caught many other details of his changed personality. The funky boy who used to wear nothing but only branded stuff today sported a plain lemon yellow shirt and beige coloured pants. There was stubble growing on his fair complexion, giving him a rakish look. He was wearing different types of finger rings, the ones you get from visiting astrologers and godmen. As I was taking in his appearance, he, too, was observing me and to not get any further with this ankho hi ankho mein, I broke the ice.

‘So, Amit, how is life treating you?’

‘Good.’ He smiled and averted his gaze to observe the ambience of the café.

‘Hmmm…isn’t it wonderful to meet after all these years?’ I was not breaking the ice and instead chipping at its edges.

‘Yes, Aparna. It does, especially when you meet a part of your past that reminds you of your youth.’

‘C’mon, we aren’t that old yet. 37 years and young.’

‘You may say so. For me, it feels as if I’m seventy.’

Well, he didn’t to tell me that. The colour of his shirt and his sandals spoke volumes.

‘Buddy, something is eating you up. I don’t know whether I should be asking you this, but is everything alright?’

However, great friends you must have been in college, meeting them after years doesn’t guarantee the same camaraderie. Yet, I tried to build one. He didn’t answer my question for a long time. I realized my folly of jumping into his life’s problems from no where. I began narrating about my life, my husband, career, children, and all the unnecessary details one likes to fill in to avoid an awkward silence.

After a lot of rumbling, I couldn’t stop but ask about his wife, another college mate.

‘And how’s Shilpa? Bache vache hai ya nahi? Okay, wait, given your college romance, char pach toh honge!’ I cracked up on my silly joke.

‘None. Shilpa and me, we don’t stay together.’

I bit my tongue for wagging its way into people’s messy lives.

‘Sorry. I thought you two were just made for each other.’

‘We are. We still love each other but…’

His voice trailed off. For a moment, he seemed to be contemplating on whether to get the cat out of the bag.

‘It’s okay, Amit, if you don’t wish to discuss. We can talk about cricket, politics, and Mumbai’s potholes. Leave it.’

‘No. I will tell you what happened.’ Suddenly, he was determined.

For the next hour, he narrated the abysmally sorry state of his marriage. Amit is the only son of his parents. They have toiled day and night to make Amit the person he is. Having given their night’s sleep and day’s earning, he making Amit an able man; they expect him to be with them till their last breath, but without his wife. Yes, they don’t approve of his wife.

‘Why?’ The shock just tumbled out of my hasty, impatient mouth.

‘Because she gets up late.’

‘What! Don’t fool around, boss. How can that be a reason for not liking your daughter-in-law?’

‘Precisely. That is the reason. My father, a strict disciplinarian, wants the house to be run in a fixed timetable. Rising early and getting the household chores done is a must for him.’

‘Weren’t you aware of Shilpa’s late rising and your father’s fastidious nature?’

‘I knew Shilpa has difficulty getting up early in the morning, as she reads late into the night. I also was aware of my father’s ways of disciplining us. But I never thought he would expect it so strongly from Shilpa as well.’

I took a deep breath and kicked the table in frustration.

‘Relax, girl. I’m used it now. I stay with my parents and visit Shilpa every day.’

‘How ridiculous is that, Amit? I can’t believe your family life is in bins because your wife can’t rise early.’

He kept mum. I, too, controlled my angst and went about talking about this and that, cricket and politics, again came to my rescue. After a few days, I called Amit and apologized for my aggressive reactions. The poor chap went on with how he felt stuck with parental responsibilities at one end and being a dutiful husband at the other. In the complete gamble, I was in awe of Shilpa’s patience and love for Amit, because of which their marriage was strong.

In such a scenario, I might have backed off from such a demeaning relationship. But that is just me. There are women like Shilpa who love unconditionally, who truly understand how their husbands feel helpless at their parent’s hands, and who choose to ignore the small speed breakers in the long run.

What deeply upset me is why parents who had sacrificed many things for the betterment of their son could not give up on such a trivial matter for his happily married life. How ethics and principles of one man throttle other’s joy is indecipherable to me, especially when involved parties are parent and child. I wonder whether such rules are greater than a person’s freedom and happiness.

When discipline turns into rigidity, it steals away the very essence that forms it. When parents unnecessarily try to discipline their adult children, it robs them of their right to breathe. Constricted under the so-called burden of parental responsibilities, these children drag on the collapsed chariot of what could have been a beautiful marriage.

For Amit and Shilpa, it must still be a beautiful marriage. But I could see guilt gnawing at Amit. Guilt at not being able to do complete justice to his wife, whom he loved. While he was half-heartedly doing justice to his father by being the hands-on son, Amit, as a husband, was suffering.

Someday, I wish I bump with Shilpa and get to hear her side of the story. Not to nibble at the juicy tidbits of gossip, but to understand where she gets her strength and resilience from. Then maybe I can write about the unconventional choices women make. Till then, I give myself time to get over Amit’s plight.

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Changing surname is her choice, love not need any validation.

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“I got married, I am a complete wife, so what difference does it make to change my surname? He has fully embraced me, and I have fully embraced him, so if I don’t change my surname, will the evidence be weaker, or will I be seen in a different light?

I love everything about him, even more than my own name and surname, but still, I don’t want to change it. I feel that wherever I have built my identity, be it in school, college, or at work, if I edit it to add a new surname, people will not understand or will remain doubtful. I won’t instantly connect with my new surname.

It’s just a simple matter. There is no surname for Goddess Parvati, but the world knows her only as the wife of Lord Shiva.

Similarly, whatever I write, my only desire is to maintain my identity that I am your wife.”

Keeping my surname after marriage make me no less of ur wife, the thing is i don’t want to erase what i embraced for so long.

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Is it right to quit a job to provide good motherhood to one\’s child or is it better to work to secure their future.

Posted: March 14, 2024

Motherhood is not just a phase, it\’s a lifetime feeling. Should one quit their job to fully immerse themselves in motherhood? It\’s painful to see the child waking up, searching for their mother with their little fingers, unable to find peace unless the mother is there. No one else can provide that motherly feeling that soothes that crying child. While the mother works in the office, the child\’s eyes search for her throughout the house. Tears flow as the child cries, eventually falling asleep, but waking up cranky and searching again. A small child goes through so many emotional breakdowns. Everything feels replaced from a mother\’s lap to her milk, but nothing satisfies them.

Is it right to quit a job to provide good motherhood to one\’s child, or is it better to work to secure their future?

Finding a job is tough, and every parent hopes to earn enough to ensure a good life for their child.

Is it right to save the child\’s present or their future?

Whether a women becomes a housewife or a working only she and her child know the struggles they face until the baby grow up. The difference is that the child forgets those struggles with time, but those struggle always there in mother\’s memories.

Motherhood is shaping a child\’s entire life from birth onwards.
So Is it right to work for your baby or to quit your job?

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5 Basic Rights That Women Across The World Are Deprived Of

Every year we celebrate women’s day with great enthusiasm and fervour. On one side, with each passing year, a new theme is introduced to kick start this day and on other side we also face equally devastating issues affecting girls and women alike. When we look at the future from a broader perspective, it is apparent that the root level issues still continue to remain unanswered. And like it is said – no house can stand still for years without a strong foundation; no progressive approach is possible unless the issues at the ground level are acknowledged and addressed in the right manner.

According to UN Sustainable Development Goals, any issue pertaining to women is considered as a challenging one. And it is on account of this that an entire goal- SDG 5 is dedicated to Gender Equality, with the aim to end any sort of discrimination against women and girls by the end of 2030. The question is whether we have made a move towards that direction yet?

Well, while a select set of society is moving forward with progressive thoughts, the other set is still struggling to achieve basic human rights. The goal to achieve those rights may appear as a bigger task to conquer but it is definitely not an impossible one. What is required is that first, we need to start addressing the issue. And here “We” starts with us!

UN SDG 5 focuses on 5 main issues pertaining to women such as gender disparity, gender-based violence, eliminating child/forced marriage, equal opportunities and participation in leadership, sexual and reproductive rights.

Women and the never-ending gender disparity

Even though we are ahead of our time, we are still delving into the term gender disparity every now and then. According to UN gender disparity data, it will be another 131 years to end gender disparity. Right from education to equal job opportunity the struggle is long and unending. Gender disparity here comprises of any and all forms of discrimination against women and girls that deprives them from fundamental human rights.

Women and all pervasive gender-based violence

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, an estimated 228,650 incidents pertaining to gender-based violence were reported in 2011 which further increased to an alarming number of 428,278 reported incidents in 2021, a devastating 87% increase! Violence against women and girls is a global issue. With increase in cognizable crime against women, the safety of women is under severe threat. Rape, murder, dowry related violence and death, abetment to suicide, kidnapping and indecent representation of women are some of the cognizable offenses against women.

Each year organizations run campaigns and organize programs to create awareness on GBV. However, data tells us a different story all together!

Women and eradication of Child marriage/Forced marriage

With our foot now planted firmly in the 21st century, we are yet to eradicate few irrational practices from the past. Child marriage is one of them. Even though the law mandates punitive measures against child marriage, the estimated number of child brides in India are more than 24 million approximately. Child marriage leads to rape, high risk pregnancies and related health issues, emotional and economic distress. Child marriage not only robs a child from childhood but also robs the child of a bright and beautiful future.

Women and the opportunity in Leadership/Decision making

There is a say in every Indian household that women are the home minister of the house, she is the one who is a good decision maker when it comes to running an entire house, managing the financial aspects. However, the story is completely different when a woman is considered for a leadership position. It is a sad plight that women are still not looked upon as a correct choice when it comes to any leadership or decision-making position despite of their ability and qualifications. Despite technology and corporate companies making their presence virtually in every nook and corner of our country, the role of women in leadership is still under scrutiny. How will that lead us to progress when we deprive an entire gender from progressing?

Women and reproductive rights

We come across slogans and campaign taglines like “My Body My Rights” and “My Body My Choice” to create awareness about sexual, reproductive as well as abortion rights of a woman. However, the need to create awareness itself means we are heading towards a wrong path when it comes to women rights. It’s a basic common sense to understand that it’s an individual rights of a person to have complete control over one’s body, particularly women who undergo so many changes in many phases throughout their lives, right from menstruation to menopause. To acquire basic rights like sanitation and hygiene, menstrual hygiene, pregnancy and abortion shouldn’t be a struggle. It is a fundamental right!

Fundamental Rights are but basic human rights that allow a person to live with dignity. Depriving basic rights of one particular gender based on whatsoever reason can never be justified. Women and girls make half of the world’s population representing half of world’s potential. However, we are still nowhere close to any significant progress as we come closer to winding up sustainable development goals in the year 2030!

Image source: by Maitreya Shah from Studio India and by VikramRaghuvanshi from Getty Images Signature, both Free for Canva Pro

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The Illusion of Equality

The Illusion of Equality: Navigating Gender Expectations in Education and Marriage

 

 

In today’s rapidly changing world, education stands as a beacon of hope, offering opportunities for personal growth, economic prosperity, and societal advancement. We champion equal access to education, celebrating the strides made in providing girls with the same opportunities as boys. Yet, beneath the surface lies a disheartening reality where the promise of equality fades in the face of entrenched gender expectations.

 

From an early age, girls are encouraged to dream big, to pursue their passions, and to excel academically. Parents, educators, and society at large tout the importance of education as a fundamental human right, empowering girls to unlock their full potential. And they do. They invest time, effort, and resources into their education, fueled by the belief that the world is theirs for the taking.

 

But then, as if on cue, the narrative shifts. And unfortunately, this is more the case for the super-rich! Somewhere along the journey, usually in the second or third year of college, the whispers of marriage begin to drown out the echoes of ambition. Suddenly, the girls who were once encouraged to reach for the stars are told to set their sights on a different kind of future—one defined by marriage and motherhood.

 

It’s a jarring transition, one that highlights the stark contradiction between the ideals of equality and the realities of entrenched gender norms. Despite being raised in an environment that preached equality, many young women find themselves faced with a choice: pursue their own ambitions or succumb to societal expectations.

 

For some, the pressure to conform is overwhelming. Faced with the weight of familial expectations and cultural norms, they relinquish their dreams in favour of a predetermined path—one that offers security and acceptance, but often at the cost of personal fulfilment.

 

But what about those who dare to defy convention? Who refuse to be confined by the limitations of gender roles? For them, the journey is fraught with uncertainty and resistance. They find themselves navigating a maze of expectations, grappling with the dissonance between who they are and who society expects them to be.

 

At the heart of this dilemma lies a fundamental question: Why? Why do we invest so much in educating our daughters only to stifle their aspirations when they dare to dream beyond the confines of tradition? Why do we preach equality while perpetuating inequality through our actions and expectations?

 

The answers are complex and deeply ingrained in the fabric of our society. They speak of centuries of gender inequality, cultural norms, and familial expectations. However, they also speak of the resilience and determination of those who refuse to be defined by the limitations of their gender.

 

It’s time for a reckoning—time to challenge the status quo and reimagine a world where equality isn’t just a lofty ideal but a lived reality. It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight. But with each step, we take towards dismantling gender norms and empowering individuals to chart their own course, we move one step closer to a future where every girl has the opportunity to soar, unencumbered by the weight of expectation.

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Letter To My Mom

I read somewhere,’ Anyone can have a child and call themselves a parent. A real parent is someone who puts that child above their own selfish needs and wants.’

Isn’t that what a mother is all about? Isn’t that what a mother does all the time? Put her needs and wants on hold so that her children can get what they want.

A mother’s love is pure, selfless, and unconditional. It is, as I say, “Just there.” Times may change, and life may move on, but a mother’s love and support are permanent and rock-solid.

And because it is always there, it is a given, children tend to take that love for granted, firmly believing that it will always be there no matter what. Our childhood and youth are spent thinking that our mothers will always be there.

That is why we often do not value them as much as we should. When it comes to girls, most of them realise what it is to be a mother when they become mothers themselves and have to face all the challenges and struggles. Boys take time, and sometimes not before it is too late.

So therefore, my advice to all children, young and old, is don’t wait to tell your mothers how much you love them and what they mean to you. Do it now.

Today, I am at a stage where I feel the void and miss my mother’s presence. There are so many things that I wish I had said to her but just couldn’t/didn’t. Now I have no way to tell her.

So, I am writing this letter to my mother in heaven to tell her what she meant to me. These are my special words for my mother.

My Dear Mom,

This is probably my first ever letter to you. I don’t think I ever wrote one while you were around. Maybe because since you were always there, words were not necessary. But today,  I feel the need to do this. Today as I sit down to pen my thoughts, there is so much that I have to say to you, so much that I should have said to you.

I regret not doing this earlier, and the regret gets magnified when I realise that you are not there to read my letter. Maybe I am doing this for myself. Having said that, I do realise that if I had attempted this when I was younger, I might not have been able to do it well. This clarity of thought, expression and realisation has come to me only with age.

At the outset, I want to thank you for being you, for raising me the way you did; sometimes with love, sometimes with anger,  sometimes by sacrificing and at other times with a reprimand or a warning. It is the combination of all these things that I have become what I am today. And I want to say that I love you, Mom.

Today, as I reflect on my life, I feel I am a product of what you taught me and what I imbibed from you. It seems I picked up so much from your being there. So many of my expressions, phrases, and reactions are so you. In fact, I am constantly told by one and all that I have even started looking like you.

I think most parents and children don’t realise how much the children get influenced and inspired by their parents.

There are several things that I clearly remember that I learned from you. Something that you used to tell us all the time, which became a part of who we were and who we are today. Whenever faced with a difficult situation or a challenge, you always told us that nothing lasts forever. For you, fear was never an option. You were a brave woman who could never bow to any pressure. Clear in your thoughts; I remember how I used to get inspired when you used to tell us about the time you were living by yourself while teaching in a college. This was when girls were not even educated, let alone allowed to live and work in a different city. It was a hard choice, but you made it. Staying away from dad to continue to work was also a choice that you made. Of course, you had his full support.

I remember the days when our educational expenses were hitting the roof, but you decided that you would not compromise. As a family, we could cut down on other expenses, not education. That decision held us all in good stead.

Education is a big deal for me as well, and I admit that I get very judgemental when interacting with people who don’t meet my education standards.

Your handling of situations of crisis with that steely look in your eyes, that courage and determination are still fresh in my mind. I try to emulate all of this when faced with adversity. Your words that if good things don’t last, bad also can’t still ring in my ears. I think of you when I am down and out, and somehow, all the courage, resilience and tenacity I need seep into me. I think of you and seem to stand taller and more confident. You used to tell us that one should never give up on one’s dreams and ambitions, and I have tried not to do that.

Words cannot express what you did for me and how you shaped my life. I remember the day Dad passed away, and I felt so alone, rudderless, having lost my confidante, my partner-in-crime. You knew I had been closer to him and so felt the need to reassure me about your love and support. Though your life had gone to pieces, you chose to put that aside and console me. I still remember the conversation we had on the terrace of our house where we were both crying inconsolably, yet you were able to calm me and reassure me.

And then the way you picked up the pieces of your life. You missed him all the time, but that did not deter you from putting my life on track. The world wanted you to get rid of your burden, namely me and get me married, but you would have none of that. You stood firm in your resolve to make me independent in every sense of the word. All around us, my cousins who were younger were getting married, but you stuck to your guns. I am reaping the benefits of that decision of yours. No matter what happens, I know I can hold my own, thanks to you.

The look of joy and triumph on your face the day I landed my first job is etched in my memory. It was as though we had hit the jackpot. You had been with me through the job hunt journey. Every time I had to go for an interview, you would accompany me for moral and every other kind of support. How can I forget that?

From you, I learnt how to love your children selflessly and from the core of your being. I hope I have been able to do half as much.

I remember that you were never a very pushy parent. Being the youngest, I was quite a spoilt brat, but you would always handle me tactfully ( at least most of the time!!) If I got stuck on something, you would try and explain the situation patiently to make me understand. You would never impose; just explain the options available with a slight nudge toward what you wanted me to do. And nine times out of ten, your strategy would hit the mark( between you and me, I, too, do the same with my boys, and it works!!)

There are so many times I remember that I must have driven you up the wall; the day I vanished for half a day because I was upset with you and Daisy and so chose to spend the morning on a tree top( thanks to all the Enid Blytons I used to read); my stubborn insistence on reading while having my milk in the evening; my refusing to take a nap in the afternoon and creating chaos, my refusal to stop wearing short skirts while going cycling… I better not say more.

Though we were not the best of friends while I was growing up, somewhere, you became the person I was closest to when I did grow up. There was so much that we spoke about, so much that we shared. I learnt from all this, as I now realise how important it is to remain strong and firm under all circumstances.

Among the many things that I have gotten from you is my love for reading. In fact, I got it from both you and Dad.

When you were going for your cataract surgery, the doctor asked, “What is the first thing you would like to do after the surgery?”

He expected you to say that you would want to sew, cook, or something like that. But instead, you said that you wanted to go back to your reading.

When I remember this, I know I will say pretty much the same thing.

Even after I got married, I could bank upon you for almost anything. You were there to guide and advise me as I took on the challenges of married life. This taught me a crucial life lesson: that families stay together no matter what. You knew I loved cricket and relating families with that; you used to say that in life, one must know which team one is batting for and support it in every possible way.

You stuck by me against all odds. I remember the many sessions we used to have when I was pregnant. Your views and opinions gave me so many different perspectives. Your advice that before taking any action, look inside you and you will know whether what you are doing is right or not still rings true. No matter what one says or does, we cannot run away from ourselves. We have to be able to look ourselves in the eye.

Courage, conviction, resilience and tenacity are all qualities that I got from you.

The fact that I could share anything and everything with you is something that I have tried doing with my boys. Thanks to you, I have an open relationship with them where they feel free to be their selves with me.

There is so much to say, so much to admit. I guess this is the first in a series of letters to you, and I will write many more.

They say

‘A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend.’ That is so true; I miss you, my friend!

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Exploring the Best Betting Sites in India

In the heyday of online betting, it is important to choose a proven and reliable operator. But not all betting sites India are worthy of attention. There are at least 150 well-known platforms on the market, so narrowing down the choice to the top five makes the search much easier. Our rating and selection criteria will help you find the perfect sports betting solution.

Introduction to Online Betting in India

While in the past you had to visit a land-based betting shop to place a bet, today you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Online betting is an evolution of traditional betting habits transferred to a digital format.

The interactive betting industry in India is witnessing impressive growth. According to a report by iGaming Business, the market size reached $1.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $5.5 billion by 2028.

More than 100 million Indians participate in online entertainment, with 70 percent of betting on sporting events. India is now the leader in online gambling in South Asia, attracting the attention of international companies.

Top Features to Look for in Betting Sites

Finding the perfect betting platform is not an easy task, but we are here to help. It is important to understand the criteria that determine the merits of a betting platform.

Reliability and safety

Choosing a reliable betting site starts with checking legal legality. It is important to make sure it has a valid licence from a reputable regulator:

  • United Kingdom Gambling Commission;
  • Malta Gaming Authority;
  • Curaçao eGaming;
  • Gibraltar Regulatory Authority;
  • Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission;
  • Alderney Gambling Control Commission;
  • Jersey Gambling Commission;
  • Anguilla Financial Services Commission.

Security certificates and regular IT audits guarantee the protection of data and financial transactions. Pay attention to experienced user reviews and ratings to understand the platform’s reputation among players.

Wide line

The best sites offer an extensive betting line up covering both international and local sporting events. In India, the availability of cricket, kabaddi, football and cyber sports betting is important. For example, the line should include matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Ranji Trophy, National Cricket League.

High coefficients

Competitive quotes increase the potential winnings, which makes betting more attractive. Compare odds on different platforms to choose the most favourable terms.

Methods of payment

Efficient and secure payment methods are a key element of convenience. Best betting sites in India offer popular deposit and withdrawal systems, including:

  • UPI;
  • BHIM;
  • PhonePe;
  • Freecharge;
  • MobiKwik;
  • J&K Bank;
  • JioMoney;
  • Bitcoin;
  • Mastercard;
  • PayTM;
  • RuPay;
  • NBI.

A rich selection of international and local financial services facilitates transactions, ensuring fast and secure payment processing.

Mobile app

Software for iOS and Android should be free of charge and have the features of the desktop version. A quality application provides players with complete independence from the PC, opening access to sports forecasts, financial transactions, bonuses and other services.

Quality support service

A 24/7 support team available in multiple languages including English and Hindi is a must. Availability of various communication channels such as online chat, email, phone calls and messengers ensures prompt assistance to users.

Bonuses and promotions

Favourable offers significantly increase players’ bankroll. Look for sites that offer generous welcome bonuses, freebets, deposit bonuses, cashback and express boosters. Evaluate the terms and conditions of their receipt and wagering to make the most of the prizes.

Comparing the Best Betting Sites in India

In the process of selecting betting sites, experts emphasise the key aspects, taking into account their importance. Reliability is prioritised, followed by payment methods, and then the usability of mobile applications. This approach ensures that minor advantages do not overshadow serious shortcomings of the company.

Parimatch

This international betting operator, which came into existence in 1994, entered the online market six years later. It operates under a Curacao licence and attracts players from India with these advantages:

  • A wide line on cricket;
  • Rates in Indian rupees;
  • Attractive bonuses.

Over 20 sports are covered, including niche disciplines such as cricket, kabaddi and squash. The choice of bets is impressive: everything from handicaps to statistical indicators is available.

Bet365

It is a betting veteran founded in 1974 in the UK. Started accepting online betting in 2001. Covers over 40 sports with the best odds on the market, offering:

  • Excellent live betting;
  • Up to 20 marquees on obscure games;
  • Margin up to 7% before and during the game.

Special options include a bet builder and a “Check redact” function to make changes to the coupon.

1Win.

It is impossible to imagine Top Indian betting platforms without 1Win. Platform with 8 years of experience has established itself as a reliable partner for betting on the Asian market. Among its advantages:

  • One of the biggest welcome bonuses is up to ₹110,550;
  • More than 200 betting markets on popular events;
  • Extensive line in live mode.

Features include support for payments in rupees and a Hindi translation of the site.

Melbet

The company with 12 years of experience serves players from dozens of countries in Europe and Asia. It holds a Curacao licence, offering:

  • More than 40 sports;
  • Competitive ratios;
  • A detailed listing of events and cricket matches.

Melbet features one of the best lineups on the market, including a variety of live betting options.

Betway

Betway is considered one of the market leaders, accepting players from Europe, America, Asia and Africa. It uses software from OpenBet, which guarantees high quality service. It stands out among other betting platforms with such features:

  • Several gaming licences;
  • More than 35 sports to bet on;
  • Transaction support in INR;
  • A great selection of cricket matches.

Attracts with a good list of events not related to sports. There are bets on weather, music competitions, politics, culture.

Use the table with the characteristics of the reviewers to make an online betting site comparison:

CompanyYear of foundationLicenceSportsSpecialising in cricketWelcome Bonus (INR)Mobile appSupport in Hindi
Parimatch1994Sucassao20+Yes150% up to 20,000Android, iOSNo
MelbetunspecifiedSucassao40+Yes100% up to 8,000Android, iOSYes
Bet3651974Gibraltar40+Yes100 per cent up to 2,500Android, iOSNo
1Win.2016Sucassao20+Yes500% to 110,550Android, iOSYes
BetwayunspecifiedGreat BritainMalta35+Yes100 per cent up to 2,500Android, iOSNo

Elevate Your Betting Experience with the Perfect Platform

Choosing the right betting platform can transform the sports betting experience. The ideal site offers not only standard features, but also exclusive options that increase engagement and, of course, the chances of a bet going through:

  • Innovative features. Modern platforms are introducing new technologies such as virtual betting and advanced live betting options.
  • Personalised approach. Customising the interface to suit personal preferences, creating lists of favourite events and teams makes it easy to find the right tournaments, leagues and athletes.
  • Analytical tools. Detailed statistics, historical data and expert analysis improve the quality of forecasts.
  • Integration with social networks. The possibility of discussing the bet with other players facilitates the acquisition of new knowledge and skills.
  • Exclusive promotions and tournaments. Participation in special events and contests with valuable prizes allows you to increase your bankroll.

Also important is the intuitive interface, which makes navigating the site easy and convenient. The availability of tutorials and guides helps newcomers to get acquainted with the world of betting faster.

By choosing a betting platform that combines all of the above elements, you will not only improve your chances of success, but also get the most out of the game! Photo by Sergey Zolkin on Unsplash

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Let’s Look Beyond March 8th For Women’s Empowerment

Trigger Warning: This deals with sexual assaults and harassment faced by women and children, and may be triggering to survivors.

March 8th. Every year on this day, the entire universe enthusiastically gears up and celebrates International Women’s Day. On this day, specifically in India, government sectors, various private firms, NGOs, and individual groups recognize women with rewards and awards for their contributions and achievements.

We ‘celebrate’ this day and pamper women

On this day, some individuals or a group of people also host events and talk about women’s empowerment, gender equality, gender stereotypes, patriarchies, and other common issues faced by women in our society.

And probably most of the men and women randomly google women’s day quotes and share those with their circle of friends and family members.

This is how women’s day in our country is usually celebrated annually.

And then we go back to our routine vioence against women & children

As soon as this day winds up with wishes and celebrations, we continue to hear incidents in various places about sexual assaults and harassment through news, which happens with women and children, especially girls.

Although there are many laws, orders and safety measures to prevent these kinds of inhuman acts, protection of women and girls are still questionable in our society.

According to the data analysis done by National Crime Records of Bureau (NCRB) data along with the child rights NGO, ”CRY”, child sexual assault incidents have increased from the year 2016 to 2022.

While there were 19,765 cases recorded during the year 2016, there was a surge in the numbers during 2022 with a total number of 38,911 registered cases.

The data should help us get these crimes down, yet…

These data and calculations can be helpful to track the number of incidents, as people are aware about these topics through various mediums, and thus they stand up against these crimes.

The reason stated by the NGO for the increase in the numbers is due to the awareness people have regarding these matters and that is what encourages them to report the issues.

Apart from incorporating awareness to the public, the government also states that strict laws and orders are being enforced to prevent and reduce sexual assaults and harassment.

But these incidents are still ongoing every day, and no matter having adequate awareness and taking comprehensive measures to ensure safety, this unsafe environment remains a major threat for parents, women and children.

To sum up, this blog post is not intended to reiterate on the already known preventive measures which promises to ensure safety of females, regardless of age.

Rather, this content emphasizes a permanent solution which is to severely penalize those who are subjected to create unsafe environments.

Instead of merely focusing and celebrating women on a designated day, it would be impactful if the government, private firms, NGOs and every individual, collectively co-ordinate and pay attention to the safety and well-being of women and children.

Inturn, this will also be helpful in preventing various mishaps which are prevalent in our society.

___

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Is ‘Superwoman’ A Compliment Or A Patriarchal Expectation?!

I came across this line recently in a Tanishq advertisement (ad) and it immediately caught my attention. The ad basically demonstrates a woman as “superwoman” as she does all the professional and personal work simultaneously, she manages the social circles along with the family, she manages everything with a smile. The actual twist comes at the end when the same superwoman says that before a superwoman, I am a human first; I get tired also, I fail also and at times I am helpless too.

No, we are not superwomen, stop expecting us to be

I feel all working women will relate to the subject line. We women are expected to be superwomen, but we are normal humans. How come a man working 9 to 5 comes home tired but a woman coming back home after work is expected to do the household chores, manage the children and other stuff too?

There is a beautiful video shared by Jaya Kishori Ji, a motivational and spiritual speaker, wherein she says, “ki hum chahte hain hamari betiyan chaand par jayein par jaane se pehle 4 paranthe or 2 cup chai banakar jaaye (we wish for our daughters to go to moon, but before going we want them to cook 4 paranthas and 2 cups of chai),” why this is so? Why are the expectations so different?

Do better than this, people!

Honestly, people wait for just one mistake, I mean seriously just one mistake and from superwoman you immediately become a bad woman, careless woman or selfish woman. I might have seen the advertisement almost 10 times and every time there was a new takeaway.

Calling someone a superwoman is kind of putting an invisible pressure on the woman. Society needs to understand that she is a human first like others, she has her own set of challenges which society tends to ignore always. It’s always the society that has been telling women what should be done and what shouldn’t.

Let’s normalize seeing a woman as a human being and not a superwoman.

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