The social evil of ‘Sati’ may be a thing of the past. But, widows continue to face social discrimination in different forms in modern era, said a group of women poets here.
A young widow was adorned with flowers, new saree, bindi and other symbols of marriage to assert the rights of widows to lead a dignified life sans discrimination, on the occasion of World Widow Day.
Even before marriage, women wear these symbols and it is a height of injustice to deprive widows of these symbols, Navyaandhra Rachayitrula Sangam (NARASAM) State honorary president T. Aruna said, while underscoring the need for upholding the dignity of widows who dig a lone furrow to bring up children after losing the bread winner.
Kavi Sammelan
A thought-provoking ‘Kavi Sammelan’ was organised to highlight the woes of widows who were discriminated upon based on irrelevant customs. There is an urgent need for change of people’s attitude towards widows, said the sangam’s president Simhadri Jyothirmayi, adding that efforts should be doubled to skilling of widows to lead a better life.