November 2, 2025, will forever be etched in Indian sporting history. The Indian women’s cricket team lifted their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup trophy, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a spectacular final. Led by Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma, the Women in Blue scripted a story of grit, passion, and perseverance. For millions of girls across the nation, this victory was supposed to be a symbol of empowerment—a day that shouted, “Dreams do come true.”
But the same night, just an hour before this triumph, India failed its women once again.
Near Coimbatore airport in Tamil Nadu, a college student was allegedly sexually assaulted around 11 pm. Reports state that three men attacked a couple sitting in a car, brutally injuring the male friend before abducting and assaulting the young woman. She was later found unconscious and partially clothed, while her friend, wounded by a machete, lay nearby. Both were rushed to hospitals, and special police teams are now investigating the heinous act.
The stark contrast between India celebrating its daughters on the cricket field and violating them off it exposes a painful truth. Despite progress, medals, and milestones, Indian women continue to live under the shadow of fear. The irony is haunting—while one group of women wore the nation’s colors in glory, another was stripped of her dignity in darkness.
Every headline celebrating victory feels hollow when the same land cannot guarantee a woman’s safety. For many parents, the prayer each morning isn’t for their daughters’ success or happiness—it’s simply that they return home safe.
Until every woman in India feels safe to walk freely, laugh loudly, and live without fear, no trophy, no medal, and no world title can truly be called a victory.
“The true measure of a society’s civilization is its treatment of its women.” –Mahatma Gandhi
Written by Maanya Kohli, one of India’s most trusted Tarot readers and founder of Lady of Tarot.
