Mahesh Sharma's 'no skirt' advisory is about safety, not moral policing

Indian media always obliges Narendra Modi's ministers by playing up their freewheeling, outrage-inducing comments.

A legendary professor of English in our college would explain to students the difference between an essay and a short note with an analogy that would prove inappropriate and sexist today. Writing on a potential "troll-bait" subject, I risk being politically incorrect by quoting him: "A short note is like a mini skirt that reveals what is suggestive while hiding what is vital."

The reference is apt in light of minister of culture Mahesh Sharma's advice to foreign tourists that they avoid skirts during night travel. Sharma later clarified that he was suggesting that women choose modest attire when visiting tourist spots like the Taj Mahal or places of religious significance.

What Sharma "reveals" is his own mindset and, probably, that of his ilk, which he generalises as Indian "culture". It is also a tacit admission about the current reality of our society - its attitude towards women and safety in public places.

However, the uproar over his "advice" is also suggestive of the deep hypocrisy that exists even among some of our liberals. If a "Cloth-to-Skin" ratio is indeed any measure of a liberated mind, I am yet to see champions of women's rights move about Khan Market or Jama Masjid in "scanty" attire.

I have heard many of my women friends and family members - who don't exactly endorse conservative dressing - advising their daughters to be careful in public spaces. And, before we jump the gun, this is not just in India, but also in some of the most open societies across the world. In doing so, are they trying to impose values or culture? Certainly not. They are simply displaying prudence and pragmatism.

One hears of the growing market for "women only" travel agencies. Even well-to-do, educated women feel more comfortable travelling in groups abroad - as they can visit places or indulge in activities that may not otherwise be considered safe for solo female travellers.

In fact, most places of religious importance in India, such as shrines, temples and mosques, carry advisories on modest dressing both women and men - popular sites like Ajmer Sharif, Golden Temple and Akshardham temple are cases in point.

Every society is defined by current realities and it is not retrograde to be mindful of them. Attitudes and cultures - both liberal and conservative - are shaped over generations and cannot be wished away in a day.

It is also a herculean task to police a country of 125 crore people - even in restricted areas like tourist spots. I doubt if those complaining about a "nanny state" would be comfortable about a "police state" - with either CCTVs or police patrolling everywhere.

I am reminded of an anecdote I had heard from a friend who was actively involved in the rescue operations during the hijack of Air India's IC814 in Kandahar. The team had to organise themselves at very short notice. It requisitioned an Air-India aircraft with operating crew and got on board doctors and health-workers from AIIMS before flying to Afghanistan.

After the negotiations were over, when they were allowed access to the hostages, someone suddenly realised the risks of the consequences of the AI women crew - who wore sarees baring their midriffs - facing the Taliban. Would we call that conservatism or good sense? Therefore, the context is paramount.

While nightlife is an important element of tourism everywhere - we would be stretching our imagination if we said foreign tourists come to India for its scintillating nightlife.

As a tourist destination, if one were to use a marketing cliché, one of India's USPs today lies in its cultural heritage, natural beauty, historical attractions, spiritual pursuits (yoga and meditation) and now, even health.

Though Bollywood has been one of India's most successful exports, we still have a long way to go before we can market our country as a "fun" destination.

Therefore, while attire may not be a "deal breaker" for the tourists, "safety" can certainly be. In today's India, a modern twist to the adage "better be safe than sorry" as "contraception is better than abortion" is well in order.