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CMYK AUGUST 18, 2018 POTPOURRI Mouni’s Fashion Quotient During Gold's Promotions Useful Apps & Websites Sight & Sound Recipes from the Plantix, Wordament , Nilotpal Bora to Debut in Award Winning Author Bring! Shopping list, and others Hindi Web Series Mridula Baljekar Ditch the Witch and Cuddle Violence against Women and Various Preventive Measures Humanity: Birubala R Buddhadev Nandi A report says that between 2001 and 2007, 193 witch-hunting deaths Ever since the dawn of civilization down to the for equal work are enshrined in Article 39(a) and occurred, and 202 cases were registered, while 931 arrests were made. present era gender justice is a burning question. Male 39(d) respectively. Even Article 39(e) ensures that This highlights the need of people like Birubala and related organizations violence against female is a worldwide phenome- the health and strength of women workers cannot to take a stand to create a strong and unbreakable wall between myth and non. Most of the women are the victims under so- be abused and they should not be forced to enter truth; being evil towards someone and being human; and illogical existence cio-cultural, religious and economic structures. Need- avocations unsuited to their strength. Besides, there and literate and logical stance. less to say, violence against women has been a cru- are several provisions in the Constitutions to en- Tell us a bit about Borjhara Anchalik Mahila Samiti & Mahila cial issue even in the contemporary Indian society. sure safety, security and dignity of women. Samata Society. Crime against women is a phenomenon from womb To improve the socio-economic status of women to tomb. Even before their birth from female feti- and empower them politically, numerous legislations These societies were formed to uplift women, and listen to and solve cide to all other subsequent phases of life until death, like The Dowry Prohibition Act, Indecent Repre- their problems with the help of authorities. The women were given a they are victimized socially, economically, politi- sentation of Women (Prohibition) Act, Maternity platform to state their difficulties and these samitis worked to help them cally, psychologically and emotionally. Benefit Act, Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, Sex- overcome them. Scores of atrocities on women in our society have ual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Preven- Also, knowledge was parted in these organizations to make the women been recognized and publicly discussed. Rape, mo- tion, Prohibition and Redressal) Act etc. have been self-reliant. I was a member and that's where I took my first stand against lestation, eve teasing, trafficking, commercial sex promulgated. Besides, in the 73rd and 74th amend- this heinous crime of witch-blaming and witch-crafting. I was asked to trade, unequal wages, deprivation in every field of ments of the Indian constitution, 1993, reservation step down from my position because of it. However, as I had committed life, exploitation, honor-killing etc. are the atrocities of one third seats for women in Panchayat Raj and no crime, so I didn't back off. that women face now and then. Women are still Nagarpalika Institutions in rural and urban areas are Birubala's persistence in contributing towards the betterment of the society regarded the instrument to meet the exigencies of undoubtedly some of the positive approaches to resulted in bringing together some women to form a Women's Association breeding and domestic situation by a large section of ensure women's participation in politics. Surpris- in Thakurbila, in 1985, which she gradually extended to regional level. the society. Wife battering, bride- ingly, in the Thus, Borjhara Anchalik Mahila Samiti (Borjhara Regional Women burning, honor killing, marital rape larger political Association) evolved, in 1992. As a part of their work, in 2001, they and other dowry-related crimes in arenas in Lok organized a meeting to discuss the witch-hunting related issues, in many cases transform epithalami- Sabha and As- um of wedding ceremony into partnership with Mahila Samata Society. She also mentioned that witches sembly polls screams and sobs of women. don't exist and this displeased the myth-believers, and she was asked to women are still Pre-natal sex determination follow- deprived. Be- change her views if she wished to stay in the society, but she didn't step ing female feticide and even killing sides, in most down. She moved on. of girl children after administering cases women What are the principles of "Mission Birubala"? How does it function? salt or immersing them into milk representa- The first thing that we believe in is the education of women. If women are to death are still rampant in many tives elected in educated, then they can take a stand for themselves. From ancient times, parts of our country. A data on the the polls are corruption has been mostly against women, trying to supress them. If the violence against women clearly guided and dic- respect & rights of women are properly safeguarded, the superstitious portrays the grim picture of wom- tated by the belief in witch (Daini) will be eradicated. In addition, every woman should en society in India. In every 7 min- male members get the rights by law because our mission follows the Greek belief that all utes a crime is committed against of the society. should be subjected by law. women in our country. Rapes of women have soared Thus the political rights of the women are dimin- Moreover, an organisation should always be democratic. Therefore, when terribly. Every hour there are four cases of rapes though ished. "Mission Birubala" reaches a bigger magnitude, leadership will be democratic. in reality the data is nothing but the tip of an iceberg, In spite of all these constitutional and legislative Witch-hunting is a sad and unfortunate truth of the society. It has been One person will not be the leader always. are reported in India. Rape in India is considered one safeguards and legal mechanisms to eradicate the quite rampant in Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, There will be circulation of power to maintain the true spirit of democracy. of India's common crimes against women. According agony of women, the tragic truth is that the inci- and Maharashtra. Until 2001, this crime was never recognized. Towards We are yet to reach that state, but this will be one of the founding principles. to the data released by National Crime Records Bu- dents of social, domestic, marital and psychological the mid 2000s, various NGOs, social workers, and activists took this As far as the number of members are concerned, there are around six reau (NCRB) last November, New Delhi has report- violence against women are on the rise in different ed the maximum number of rape cases among 19 ma- matter seriously and started working towards curbing this grave issue. hundred individuals, who are associated with us. forms. Again domestic violence against women in One of such brave souls is Birubala Rabha, the founder of Mission jor cities at 40%. Besides, the capital city reported India despite the existence of Criminal Law Act in- Birubala, who took a stand against the real witch existing in the society, Does "Mission Birubala" work for eradicating other superstitions 33% of total crimes against women followed by troducing section 498 A is unabated. Though the i.e. “Witch-hunting”. Ditching this witch is imperative. other than witch-hunting? Mumbai at 12.3%. Needless to say, a large number of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act was passed in Hailing from Thakurbila village, in Goalpara, Assam, Birubala is known "Mission Birubala," chiefly works to eradicate witch-hunting. It also crimes against women are not reported owing to so- 1956, immoral trafficking of young girls and women for her immense determination and straightforwardness. She got married works to provide shelter for the victims accused of witchcraft and also cial, economic, psychological and other constraints. and forcing them into prostitution or domestic work when she was fifteen, and took the responsibility of her household at this for the benefit of their children as they usually become school dropouts Above all, punishments of such crimes are severe but or child labor are reported frequently. The National tender age. All was good & smooth until her son was diagnosed with as they are chased away from the society and often have to face taunts. pathetically convictions are rare. Crime Records Bureau showed that the number of mental ailment, and years later, her husband passed away due to throat Other than that, "Mission Birubala" also works for the victims of marital There are several rights and safeguards enshrined in trafficked rose by nearly 25%. cancer. This made neighbours to suspect Birubala practicing witchcraft. abuse and for all women against whom corruption has been done. the Constitution of India for women. In Articles 15 It cannot be denied that violence against women is a To know how she countered this false belief, and began walking on a We always are working tirelessly for the welfare of these women. This (1) and 16 (2) women are protected from any sort of coercive mechanism to assert patriarchal will over mission to eliminate such a practice from the society, read this interaction. mission is for women as they are the ones, who are victimized the more, discrimination as the citizen of India and for any its counterpart to prove and feel a sense of power employment. Rather affirmative discrimination in and authority. Again women's organizations gener- Tell us a bit about you. in the society, and most crime is done against them. Please share with us about the challenges your organization faced? favor of women has been encouraged in Article 15 ally confine themselves to issues affecting urban I was born in a remote village. I received a bit of primary education. My (3) of the Constitution. Trafficking and forced labor The organization has faced many issues. We have to overcome many women. A majority of women in India live in villag- father died when I was really young. It was our mother who brought us are prohibited under Article 23 (1). Equal right to an hurdles every time, from going to remote areas to dealing with different es, poverty-stricken and ignorant. Their yearning up. However, as she was a birth attendant, she was often away, even adequate means of livelihood and right to equal pay for emancipation often remains unexpressed. during the late hours of the night. I had to take care of myself and the sections of outlawed individuals, we have faced a lot. We have also received household. I was well versed in all the household chores like cooking and death threats, at times. However, we are not afraid of them because work weaving, so my mother didn't want to give me away in marriage. Also, is more important for us. A FLASHBACK (ICONIC ACTRESS) she was very close to me. She found a suitable groom for me, who agreed There is also a lack of funds and proper support. We also feel that the Zohra Sehgal supporting Gandhi's Padma Shri, In 2001, Kalidas to be a “ghor-juwai” in lieu of assets. I got married in around 1964, and we lack of education in the scientific sphere and the rampant spread and firm Zohra Sehgal, Quit India Samman and the Sangeet Natak had two sons. born as Sahibzadi Movement.Later, Akademi, in 2004. In 2010, she Witchcraft is still a grave issue in Assam. What made Zohra Begum she joined the leftist received the Padma Vibhushan. you and "Mission Birubala" to take such strong Mumtaz-ullah theatre group, IPTA, She also did choreography for several Hindi films, including standings against it? Where did you find the strength Khan, on 27 April acted in several 1912 was an plays, and made her Guru Dutt's "Baazi" and the to initiate and go on despite much opposition? Indian actress and film debut in IPTA's dream sequence song in Raj I have seen many people accused of witchcraft and choreographer. first film production, Kapoor's film "Awaara". their lands were ceased. Many a time, the village healers She lived in a directed by Khwaja Zohra and Kameshwar had two make mistake while treating people. So they blame that traditional Ahmad Abbas, children; Kiranand Pavan Sehgal. a woman is doing witchcraft to save their reputation. Muslim family in "Dharti Ke Lal" in Pavan Sehgal works for the She is then chased away from the village. Also, if a man Rampur, Uttar 194. She did another WHO and Kiran is areputed wants to take a new wife, he might accuse his former Pradesh, India. Zohra lost vision one with IPTAsupported film, Odissi dancer. Zohra's in her left eye when she Chetan Anand's "Neecha Nagar". husbandpassed away in 1959, wife of being a witch. Often, the village panchayat along contracted glaucoma when she It became the first Indian film to and she shifted first to Delhi and with others frame individuals so to cease their property was a year old. Since her sister gain critical international became director of the newly and take control of it. In fact, when my oldest son was faced a failure in marriage, she recognition and won the Palme founded Natya Academy. She sick, he was predicted by "village expert" that he would decided to pursue a career, rather d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. then moved to London on a die in a few days. However, when he didn't die, inorder getting married. Shiv-Parvati She went on to appear in several drama scholarship in 1962. In to keep one's face, the person accused a fellow woman ballet by Uday Shankar took Bollywood films as a character 1964, she did her 1st role for of witchcraft. My son has been a patient of mental place in Europe and she actress with a career-span of British television in a BBC illness, for a long time. I didn't believe such false happened to watch his about sixty years. The famous adaptation of a Kipling story show.After watching the films she was part of include "The Rescue of Pluffles". She CMYK accusations. There was a time when I too believed in performance, she got impressed "Neecha Nagar"; "Afsar"; "Bhaji also appeared in four episodes of these superstitions, but I have always questioned matters, and as evidence by and went to the backstage to on the Beach"; "The Mystic "Doctor Who", however, all of revealed, I realised no such thing existed. I knew the innocence of the belief in superstitions is a great struggle that the organisation has to overcome. This lack of knowledge makes the task of convincing the meet Uday Shankar, who Masseur"; "Dil Se"; "Saawariya" them are currently lost. She was accused woman. I took a stand and urged the others to do as well. However, promised her a job on her return and Cheeni Kum. Apart from the longest-living actor to have these women, attending the meeting where I openly discarded all the people of the remote places very difficult. We are easily outnumbered to India, at the completion of her movies she also did TV serials appeared on "Doctor Who". She accusations on the woman, feared the consequences they would have to there. We have to be very careful while carrying out our missions. course.She joined his troupe on "The Jewel in the Crown"; was admitted to the Max face at home if they said anything against the verdict passed. As such they How much support have you received from the public & government? 8th August 1935, and danced "Tandoori Nights" and Amma Hospital in South Delhi after remained silent. I faced much opposition. My house was surrounded by Honestly speaking, much more support is required, both from the public across Japan, Egypt, Europe and and Family. At her being diagnosed people and I was asked to sign a paper that stated I was stepping down as well as the government. We still struggle to make the villagers understand the US, as the leading lady, along age of ninety, she with pneumonia that there is no such thing as witchcraft, but there is a blind belief in it as with French dancer, Simkie. In played the central on 9 July 2014, from my position in the "Mahila Samiti". However, I didn't step back. I 1940, Uday Shankar moved back role in the 2002 film and she died CMYK quoted Jesus that one should hate the sin and not the sinner. That helped to it is instigated by people in power for financial and many other reasons. to India and she became a teacher "Chalo Ishq after suffering convey the people that I might not be completely wrong. So, government cannot exactly go in to the remote areas because to blatantly at the Uday Shankar India Ladaaye". She is from cardiac It was basically the accusation of the innocent woman that stirred me to disregard their beliefs, as it will result in the receiving of death threats. Cultural Centre at Almora. It was considered as the arrest on 10 July take up this fight. From that moment, I haven't looked back. It was only However, in terms of funds and law, much more support can be provided here that she met Kameshwar doyenne of Indian 2014(102).Kiran me and a handful of other women, at first, who began this movement in by the government and the public should also invest in this issue. Segal and they got married on 14 theatre. She also Segal wrote the locality. As for "Mission Birubala", Dr. Natyabir Das helped us to Nevertheless, we have received many accolades for our work which is August 1942. The wedding acted in Englishfilms Zohra's really encouraging. reception was supposed to be such as "Bend It biography titled give this crusade a momentum by joining hands with people from all the attended by Jawaharlal Nehru, Like Beckham". In "Zohra Sehgal: fields to fight against this social evil. but couple of days before the 1998, she was Fatty"In 2012. Continued to page 20 wedding he got arrested for awarded with the All IndiaWomen's Helpline (All India) 1091 / 1090 National Commission for Women (NCW) Delhi 011-23219750 Child Helpline 1098 Anti-Stalking/Obscene calls 1096 TripuraWomen's Helpline Numbers 0381- WOMEN HELPLINES 2323355, 03812322912 Counselling Services on Women in Distress - Organized by Delhi Police 011 - 3317004 Central Social Welfare Board -Police Helpline1091/ 1291 (011) 23317004 Kalyani Nivas,Shelter Home for girls Ambari (NGO) 9954291139 Snehalaya Children Home (Working for orphan), Paltan Bazar (NGO) 9435198236 Shishu Gram for girls(Indian Red Cross Society), North Guwahati 9864038524 Child welfare committee of Kamrup (Metro) District 9435198236 / 9435109598 / 9864102555 Assam Centre for Rural Development, working for trafficking girl 9435110275