Ties that bind
Rakhi doesn't work if made compulsory In a new twist on an old tradition, the Daman and Diu administration asked all its female employees to bring rakhis and tie them on their male colleagues' wrists. While a rakhi often comes in handy for north Indian women in schools, colleges and workplaces to friendzone men and scotch any romantic interest, this may be the first time that it has become a matter of official fiat. The order was quickly withdrawn after protests, but that it even occurred to the officials of the Union territory administered by the home ministry , is telling. In their own defence, the officials said they were doing it to spread `brotherhood'. But why is it the administration's problem to enforce any relationship at all between professional peers? Raksha bandhan is a sweet festival, as a reminder of sibling bonds. But it does rest on the patriarchal premise that men protect their sisters, who shower them with sweets in exchange for their own survival. Even the friendzoning with rakhis is a troubling phenomeon ¬ it's a band of placation, for a culture where a woman's consent and refusal are not valued. But whether or not one approves, the tradition is deeply meaningful in north India. Ultimately , it is for those who participate in it to argue, accept, or revise it. But meanwhile, an office of the government, where men and women work as equals, has no business injecting these skewed “relationships“ into the workplace.
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