Dear Meera,

As I sit down to write you this letter, my heart swells with pride and love. You are growing into a remarkable young woman, full of promise and potential. But as your grandfather, I feel compelled to share some hard truths about the world we live in, and to offer you words of strength and encouragement.

The world you are stepping into is both beautiful and harsh. It is a world where dreams are born, but also where they can be shattered. Today, we face a grievous challenge: the rising tide of crimes and inequalities against women in India. This is not a distant issue, but one that touches the lives of countless women, including those in our own family.

I remember the days of our country's independence, filled with hope and the promise of a brighter future. Yet, despite our progress, the safety and dignity of women remain under threat. These crimes are not just statistics; they are the lived experiences of...