Daughters of Mother India

Daughters of Mother India is an impactful and thought-provoking documentary that was released in the year 2015. Directed by Vibha Bakshi, this film delves into the patriarchal structure of Indian society while skillfully dissecting the gender issues prevalent in India. This powerful documentary mirrors the societal norms that incite violence against women, a dire issue that continues this very moment.

When viewed in its full context, this multi-award-winning film seeks to initiate discourse on women’s rights and societal change in India. It does an extraordinary job in capturing the collective fight across the nation for gender-equality and justice after the horrendous Delhi gang rape incident in 2012. It encapsulates the nationwide outrage that followed the incident and brought about groundbreaking changes in India's legislative system pertaining to women's safety.

The prominent figures in the film include Kiran Bedi, India’s pioneering woman in the officer ranks of Indian Police Service, Mr. Arvind Gaur, a renowned theater director, and eminent sociologist Dipankar Gupta. With them, Bakshi is able to incisively explore the deeper layers of the issue - it is far more than just a question of law enforcement; it's about ingrained societal norms and biases that need challenging.

Kiran Bedi brings to the film her profound understanding of the criminal justice system coupled with her hands-on experience as a police officer dealing with gender-based violence. She highlights the efforts taken by the Indian police forces in the aftermath of the incident, and her perspectives on the changes that need to be made within the system and society as a whole.

Arvind Gaur, through his theatre exercises and activities with the youth, emphasizes the importance of educating youngsters about gender sensitization and respect towards women. His performances address the discriminatory treatment of women and its historical context, showing how this perceived social structure can be challenged and changed from within.

Dipankar Gupta, with his sociologist's perspective, digs into the crux of cultural norms, patriarchal attitudes, and the need for societal change. He presents an illuminating analysis of the mindset that propels such violent acts against women and the imperative to alter this mindset at its roots.

Daughters of Mother India is not just a feature-length documentary, it is a social commentary, a clarion call to stop violence against women in India and around the world. Notable are the incredible cinematography and stimulating background score that put across the gravity of the subject matter in a visually captivating manner, turning the documentary into an impactful work of cinematic art.

The film duration, with a run time of 45 minutes, is compact yet so comprehensive in its content that it compels the audience to introspect and revaluate the existing prejudices and stereotypes. It leaves them with thoughts about the measures required to shatter these dangerous notions surrounding gender in society.

Vibha Bakshi’s brave endeavor doesn’t only highlight the problem but pushes towards a solution, towards change. It presents a hopeful vision of India, portraying the voice of dissent that is progressively getting louder and stronger. It reveals the rise in protests, changes in laws, heightened media coverage, and the public's general awareness and attitude surrounding gender-based violence post the 2012 incident. It attempts to provoke its viewers to question their beliefs and the ethos embedded in society. It urges the audience to become the change that India and the world need to see.

In essence, Daughters of Mother India is a viscerally-raw and compelling depiction of the ongoing battle for gender equality in India. It is a must-watch for anyone seeking insight into the pressing challenges faced by Indian society in its quest to ensure safety and justice for its women. This film is a testament to the idea that real change can only occur when oppression is brought to light, and a unified effort is made to combat it. It boldly challenges the status quo and champions the cause not just for daughters of India, but daughters of the world over.