Women deserve admiration not for appearances alone but for their knowledge, vision and pursuit of excellence

In much of our social and cultural discourse, women continue to be praised more for their physical features than for their intellect. Verses, songs and couplets often highlight a woman’s eyes, cheeks or beauty, while her erudition, awareness and wisdom remain overlooked. This tendency reflects not admiration, but a subtle form of subjugation and infatuation that keeps women bound to stereotypes.

A Call for Change

Such objectification will wither away only when society begins to appreciate women for their intelligence, sensitivity, intuition and wisdom. True honour lies not in admiring the material body but in recognising the richness of thought, the depth of insight and the resilience of spirit. Only then can one truly say with sincerity: “We are willing to sacrifice, we are willing to dedicate.”

The Feminine Presence in Life’s Journey

Men must also remember that from the first breath to the last, a woman’s presence remains constant. The first lap a newborn rests upon is that of a mother, a midwife, or a nurse. And at life’s end, it is again often a nurse or a woman doctor who attends to one’s last moments. This reality underscores how deeply women are woven into the human journey — yet, despite this, society continues to bind them within narrow frameworks of objectification.

Breaking the Confined Mindset

The need of the hour is to move beyond this confined mindset. Expanding the horizons of thought is essential — allowing women to define their own lives, careers and dreams. When women are empowered to cross boundaries, to pursue education and ambition unhindered, they emerge as role models of excellence.

The Local Example

Consider the inspiring journeys of Anmol Rathore (JKAS Topper & IAS) and Sehrish Asgar (KAS Topper & IAS). Both hailed from Kishtwar and Bhaderwah, yet had to leave for Jammu to study at top private education institutions — schools unavailable in the erstwhile Doda district. Their determination to break barriers is a lesson in what women can achieve when given opportunities beyond restrictive borders.

Conclusion

True progress lies not in ornamental praise of women’s physical features but in nurturing and recognising their intellectual power. When society values a woman’s knowledge as much as her presence, only then will equality become more than a promise. Only then will women be free to follow their dreams — and in doing so, inspire generations to come.

Beyond Beauty: Recognising Women’s Intellectual Horizons