I try not to get too carried away in the posts and keep hints subtle. But you hit the nail on the head. It was definitely a case of gender discrimination. Like I had hinted, she paid the price for being born a woman.

When will it all end?? will it ever?? Cannot say. All we can do is attempt to highlight and focus the glare on such incidents and hope for the best. Nothing is more tragic than to be witness to a dream go awry.

Please read this link.. it will glaringly elucidate my subtle references made in the post. Apparently, some time earlier to her death Susmita had made allegations of sexual harassment..please read on.
http://catharsisflow.blogspot.com/

I Never Assume .. I take blogging seriously especially if it is a comment on a matter of the kind.

In an interview, the father Mr Chakraborty, mentioned about the ’surety’ himself, that is how I learned of it.

As for the parties bit, it was from a letter sent to the National Commission of women which has been linked in the updates.. where it has been clearly mentioned that her objections have been recorded as to the late night partying and supplies therein. I wish all would take the trouble of reading the links provided. it does give the story the dimension it needs to have. You will agreee that it is not possible or advisable to quote extensively from links. I prefer to comment on them.

Yes, I do pray that it serves to be a catalyst, however cruel it sounds, to avoid further disenchantments and tragedies.

Heaven is very very quiet.
This is our time to think.

“Maybe, the Army was hard on her - but thats the nature of the job ”

You have very easily facilitated to absolve the army, while pegging it on the nature of the job, when to my mind it is what was asked of her beyond the ‘call of duty’.

As mentioned to Libu, it is not right for any of us to make ASSUMPTIONS to the extent of distorting facts to consolidate our argument. I have no idea whether or not the family had co erced her into the profession. To me it seemed that she was unhappy being relegated to an ‘event management’ like role to play .The fact that ’surety’ is a deciding factor, was bound to play its part in creating a dead-end situation.

I cannot agree that women have to go through ALL departments, irrespective. There must be a choice or she would not have expected it as an option.

The army has admitted to lack of counsellors in its department. Does not that spell to you that somewhere it does feel responsible? Dont we owe our army officers an environment that promotes growth and well being? A scenario of nurturing and caring if they have decided to dedicate their lives to the profession? For how long are we going to turn our face away from any problems that women confront with an attitude of ‘blame it on whoever’ or maybe the woman herself for lack of ‘courage?

I think dimpoetrys comment on what her brother advised her is relevant and tell tale as to the gender bias and discrimination present in the army which may have been the focal point of Susmitas depression.

It all depends on how one wishes to view angst. One can either condemn it or level with it analysing it in its entirety. Absolving or blaming one party or the other was not the missive of my post. It was merely an analysis of the sequence of events as reported in the press.

Each is free to make his/her deductions. If the army feels responsible then precautionary measures have to be adopted. Any harm there? Or does one need a few more suicides to emphasise the point strongly enough for all to have a consensus on the issue? I think it is important for us as citizens to read between the lines and present a fair reading of a given situation, in the interest of the larger good.

**********

The General’s comments on women ARE deplorable and need to to condemned unconditionally and without reservations.

Susmita’s suicide - as all suicides are - is indeed immensely saddening.

However, indicting the armed forces for her act is easy and perhaps an instinctive reaction.

Life in the armed forces, in general, and on the front, in particular, can push the strongest of men (as in species and not gender) to breakdown. There have been numerous cases of suicides amongst the males - officers and soldiers - as well.

It is also the nature of the job which requires ALL officers to go through all the assignments that form a part of the Armed Forces machinery. Once you’ve joined the Army, it is unfair to expect privilges to be accorded to you on the basis of your gender, caste , religion or culture.
It is indeed sad that Susmita - within 6 months of joining the armed forces reached a level of job dissatisfaction which led her to kill herself. But to accuse the army of a gender bias on account of the fact that she was assigned the task of ‘organising parties and looking after supplies’, is perhaps a little unfair on the army. All young recurits and officers NEED - and rightfully - to go through all the departments of the army. The same is true for perhaps all the industries.

Lets look at the facts:
- She joins the Army in September ‘05
- In March ‘06 - after completing 6 months of service, she returns home on a 2 month vacation
- She admits to her family that she made a wrong career choice, and expresses her desire to quit
- Her mother, not only forces her to continue, but also accompanies her back to her posting
- Caught between a career she knew she wasn’t cut out for, and a family which forced her to continue with it, she kills herself

Everybody is talking about whats wrong with the Army, yet nobody asks the family that why did they force her to continue with a career she didnt want to follow. Maybe, the Army was hard on her - but thats the nature of the job - but why did the family not extend her the support a disturbed child needs.

No. The Chakraborty family cannot absolve itself of its guilt by blaming the Army for the death of young Susmita!
Chameleons karma

I cannot endorse your comment. Firstly coz nowhere has it been mentioned that her parents forced her or co erced her to take on this profession. Unless you have read reports I have not.

Second, how can you suggest that it was a ‘comfort zone’ she was looking for? Having enrolled in the army it is a given that she had mentally prepared herself for a job which entails physical discomfort. Perhaps you have missed the details. Her resentment had to do with ‘arranging parties’ or such like demands. If you can read between the lines, it would be enlightening. As also click on the links.

Suicide can never be the first option. It speaks of helplessness and defeat. Very difficult to condemn someone who has found it difficult to cope. Mental anguish has no barometer and neither does coping mechanism.Thats what sets us apart as human beings.And yes, it is unfair to be judgemental.

And as much as we should not speak ill of the dead, suicide is not an option. Especially when it affects your near and dear ones.

Yes you are very prompt in your responses..thanks. Lets say you are intuitive and instinctively know when a new one has cropped up:) I guess now things will undergo a sea change as far as information and clarification to women cadets goes.

Anonymous,

Its too wide spread now for the matter to be hushed up. But lets not forget we are dealing with seasoned diplomats as well.

Sanjay,

Thanks..and you have summed it up pretty much there.

Silbil,

Thanks to you:) went to the site..most of them did not surprise, but disappointed. But that is why we are a conglomeration of ideas!

dimpoetry,

You always get me to smile..ahh youth and that too teens! Love your enthu.. Keep it up.

As for her decision to end her life, all I can say is we are never totally privy to anothers pain and turmoil in the sanctum sanctorium. God bless her soul!