Gender Equality in Contemporary Indian Society” – Based on Raja Ram Mohan Roy's Thoughts and Activities

Abstract

Rajaram Mohan Roy is seen as one of those who spoke out against superstition in contemporary Indian history. The corruption, evil, and superstitions found in traditional India are still followed in some places. Raja Ram Mohan Roy clarified through his thoughts and activities the necessity and need of the Indian people to adapt themselves not only to their traditional cultural base but also to the present context. The Brahmo Sabha movement was also the basis for implementing this. The significance of women in his reformation thoughts may have attracted everyone's attention. His thoughts and activities for gender equality that all rights should be available and respected for women as well as men were the basis for highlighting him as a feminist male. He firmly stated that women are not inferior to men morally and intellectually. Here the objectives of this study are to analyze the thoughts and activities of gender equality by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and to evaluate its significance and impact in contemporary India. The data required for this study are secondary data. This study is an innovative study that analyzes the ideas and activities put forward by Raja Ram Mohan Roy to uphold women's rights as a starting point for gender equality. Historical, analytical, and descriptive methodologies were used here as research methodologies. A qualitative technique was used in this study. This study was based on secondary data. Texts, research articles, journals, and e-resources related to Rajaram Mohan Roy were also used here as secondary sources. Some of the superstitions found in traditional India were found to be more detrimental to the welfare of women. In particular, he observed that traditions such as satti and female infanticide were threatening the very survival of women. He was well aware that gender equality was a fundamental human right and a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and stable world and sought to build a modern India through gender equality.