"Freedom, Licentiousness and Liberty: Three Dimensions of a Woman’s Life"

Among the highest values of human life, freedom holds a supreme place. This freedom is not only essential for men but equally vital for women. The problem arises, however, when freedom is mistaken for licentiousness and liberty is understood as the right to break all bonds. Especially in the context of women, this confusion grows deeper. Modern women often think that freedom means escaping every responsibility imposed on them by family or society. But is that truly the meaning of freedom?
      In Indian Sanātana culture, a profound difference is drawn between freedom and licentiousness. Freedom is that which develops a person from within, refines their personality, and teaches balance between duty and rights. Licentiousness, on the other hand, means breaking free from all discipline and following only one’s desires and impulses, regardless of their impact on family or society. Liberty, meanwhile, is a broader concept-it symbolizes release from external, social, or political constraints.

When women speak of freedom, they must understand that it does not mean only gaining rights, but also enjoying the freedom to fulfill responsibilities. If she is educated, her freedom lies in using that knowledge for the progress of her family and society. If she chooses her life partner, freedom means making that decision with wisdom and discernment. Freedom grants ownership of one’s choices, but also reminds that those choices should not harm others.
   Licentiousness, however, is entirely different. In licentiousness there is no discipline, no sense of duty. It is simply the pursuit of desires. If a woman says she wants liberation from family, freedom from children, no need to adjust with her husband-this is not freedom but licentiousness. Such thinking may feel attractive for a while, but its consequences are often destructive. For the framework of family and society rests not only on men, but equally on women. If women place only their own desires above all else, the balance collapses, and ultimately they too remain dissatisfied.
        Now let us speak of liberty. Liberty is connected with external conditions. When the country was under colonial rule, women had no right to education or decision-making, because the system itself imposed restrictions. After independence, liberty gave them equal rights with men-education, employment, voting, and life opportunities. Thus, liberty frees us from external control. But liberty is meaningful only when transformed into freedom, not into licentiousness.
      When women say they want “freedom from family” or “release from responsibilities,” what they are really demanding is not freedom but licentiousness. For freedom from family means severing one’s own bonds, running away from responsibility toward children and parents. Is that true freedom? No. Freedom means that a woman, while staying within her family, can still create her own identity, express her desires, and contribute to society.
     In Sanātana culture, women were revered as goddesses not because they were confined to the household, but because they were given true freedom. Sita made her own choices; Gargi and Maitreyi participated in philosophical debates; Rani Lakshmibai proved her valor in battle. These are examples of freedom. But nowhere do we find them abandoning family or society merely to satisfy personal desires.
    This is the difference between freedom and licentiousness: freedom is tied to self-discipline and responsibility, while licentiousness is bound only to the pursuit of pleasure. Freedom elevates a woman and makes her an inspiration for society. Licentiousness, in contrast, often leads her into loneliness and dissatisfaction.
       Women today must clearly understand that liberty and freedom are not the same. Liberty has already been achieved-equal education, opportunities, voting rights, and the ability to make life choices. What is now required is freedom-the ability to live this liberty with responsibility. If she moves only toward licentiousness, neither family, nor society, nor her own fulfillment will survive.
        A free woman can balance career while nurturing her home, can contribute to society while raising her children. This balance earns her both power and respect. But if she breaks every bond in the name of licentiousness, her life ultimately falls apart.
            Therefore, this distinction is crucial. Freedom is a woman’s right, licentiousness is her illusion, and liberty is her tool. By creating the right balance among these three, a woman can discover her true strength.
   In conclusion: A woman must use her liberty responsibly to embrace freedom and stay away from licentiousness. Only then can she become an inspiration not just for herself but for the entire society. If a woman uses her liberty wisely, chooses the path of true freedom, and stays away from licentiousness, she will not only make her own life meaningful but also guide society and the nation toward a new direction.


©®Payal Laxmi Soni 




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