When we talk about ‘Nari Shakti’ or women empowerment, the goal is to uplift women. Because in reality—we live in a patriarchal world where, as women, we have to fight hard for our place as nothing is given to us easily. Amid this struggle, the support of loved ones, or at the very least fellow women, can make all the difference. However, there are times when that very support comes into question.
Recently, actress Triptii Dimri made headlines for skipping an event in Jaipur, organised by FICCI FLO for Nari Shakti. Naturally, the attendees—primarily women entrepreneurs—were upset. It’s understandable. When someone commits to an event and doesn’t show, it’s bound to cause frustration. But what unfolded next was something no one could have anticipated.
A viral video from the event shows the reactions of the women organizers and attendees. For an organization that prides itself in celebrating women’s strength and empowering them, the footage was deeply unsettling. Instead of expressing their displeasure professionally, they began by belittling Triptii, calling her a “nobody” and “not worth calling a celebrity.” Then, they took it a step further by defacing her poster, one attendee even suggesting, “iska muh kala karo”. As if that wasn’t enough, another woman claimed she’d file a case against Triptii, accusing her of ‘defaming’ the attendees. The event was supposed to celebrate the strength and energy of women. Hypocrisy – that’s the word if you are looking for it!
Yes, India is a patriarchal society, but it also reeks of hypocrisy and irony, and this instance is proof of that. An event for women, by women, evolved into insulting another woman simply because she didn’t attend. Is this what we’ve become? Do we now measure empowerment by how we tear down one of our own, all to satisfy our egos? I am pretty sure there were smarter, more dignified ways to express their dissatisfaction. But, oh no! Until we name-call and defame a woman’s reputation, we haven’t really made our point, have we? Even the people in the comment section of the video were shocked by their behavior.
Triptii has since issued a statement clarifying that she neither promised nor took payment for the event. And frankly, it’s a relief that she didn’t attend! This hardly looks like the scene from an event focused on ‘Nari Shakti’.
Featured Image: Instagram
