BELLARY, MAR 13: “Women are not merely house wives and housekeepers; they are truly life givers and house makers”, declared, noted social activist Dr. BG Kalavathy here in Bellary.
Dr. Kalavathy, a researcher and social worker was addressing the large gathering of 220 women and college students gathered on Sunday, March 6 at Mathe Mahila Dhama to celebrate Women’s Day.
“Women are as capable, as intelligent and as hardworking as men; they need to be treated as equals in dignity and respected always”, urged Dr. Kalavathy who did her doctoral studies on women and Media.
Addressing the gathering, a noted educationist Dr. HB Jalajaxi stated, “Women can blossom forth to their true potential, only through proper education. This education should sensitise the public to the fact that men and women are equal in dignity and in a democratic polity, they have equal rights and opportunities”.
“Unfortunately, in the present day society, only a few women have been able to grow to their full stature, while a large section of them are subjugated, denied their rights; even humiliated, persecuted, oppressed and forced to live in inhuman and pathetic conditions”, lamented Dr. Jalajaxi.
Earlier, Bishop of Bellary Henry D’Souza inaugurated the day-long conference. In his inaugural address, Bishop D’Souza spoke on the need of strengthening families and affirmed that family is the place to educate and bring up all, both men and women in equal dignity and respect.
“Gender sensitization is huge task. It has to be taken up already in families, continued in anganwadis (crèches) and strengthened in schools and colleges”, suggested Bishop D’Souza.
Later a panel discussion was held, which was moderated by Fr. Chowrappa, vicar general.
The programme was held under the auspices of the Diocesan Commission for laity and organized by Fr. Mari Joseph and Ms. Suguntha panel discussion.
The Shrine of Bellary Arogya Mathe was blessed and dedicated on 8th September 2000 on the feast of the Nativity of our Blessed Mother Mary in memory of the great jubilee 2000 and the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of Bellary