It was a solemn mass walk on the sidewalks, with participants singing songs, raising encouraging slogans, and performing street plays. Although the march took place during peak traffic time, on the main road, no traffic movement was disturbed. Throughout the walk, one could see people carrying odhanis or dupattas (scarfs) and fluttering them symbolically as flags of freedom. Several eminent social activists lend strength to the campaign by walking hand in hand with the less privileged folks. One such activist, Arundhati Dhuru, said that the campaign was part of a movement to represent billions of unheard voices through the strength of hundreds of people and would create enthusiasm in women to fight for their own rights. Another activist said that the campaign was a fight for the prestige of women in society.
The enthusiasm was infectious. When I asked a teenager about what she felt about such a campaign she replied happily that she had come with her friends to celebrate the best Valentine’s Day of their lives. Same was the case with the senior generation. A lady in her early eighties said that taking part in this campaign made her feel strong even in her old days. When I asked a man the reason for being a part of the walk, he said that he too had sisters and was just fulfilling his responsibility by supporting the cause.
Some participants were seen giving pamphlets to the passersby explaining the aim of the rally. The best part was that the pamphlets were read by the people instead of being thrown away. Even the parents who came to fetch their kids from the nearby schools stopped to become a part of the campaign.
The event continued in its full fervor till the evening, connecting thousands of hearts and minds. It bonded people from different walks of life by its sheer zeal and fervour. The passersby applauded the spirit of young minds and the enthusiasm of old legs alike. It was a perfect blend of modern ideas and traditional odhanis which succeeded in awakening and celebrating the dignity of womanhood through a unique solidarity of purpose.
Mukta Srivastava
CNS Correspondent
February 2013
Published in:
Citizen News Service (CNS), India
Pakistan Christian Post, Karachi, Pakistan
The Asian Tribune, Sri Lanka/Thailand/India
Modern Ghana News, Accra, Ghana
News Blazes News, USA
Mangalorean News, Magalore, India
Elites TV News, USA
Bihar and Jharkhand News Service (BJNS), India
All Voices News, Sri Lanka
Silobreaker.com
Sturvs News
