SINCE time immemorial women have played a very crucial role in the society. Right from family values to societal development, they influenced every sphere of life. But, today they are being subjected to various forms of atrocities. We need to change the psyche of the society to help them reinstate their role in society,” said RSS Sarsanghachalak Shri Mohan Bhagwat, while speaking at a book release function in Pune on April 20. Shri Bhagwat released the book Bharateeya Stree : Ek Mimansa, which has been written by Smt Sudha Risbud. President of Deccan College Dr GB Deglurkar presided over the function.
He said even today women are decision makers in rural and Vanvasi areas. But, unfortunately they have restricted this role of theirs to household matters. This picture needs to be changed. Education and awakening should go hand in hand for women. Centuries of foreign invasions have left women vulnerable and changes in society during this period saw the rise of many ills. Now society should make every effort to do away these ills. Men and families as a whole have major role to play in this transformation, he said.
The RSS chief said that though RSS has no women member, the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, formation of which was influenced by the RSS, is doing a commendable job in organising women. One can’t think of nation without a prominent role for women as they constitute 50 per cent of the population.
Dr Deglurkar cited various examples of influential role of women in the society. During Satavahan era region near Pune was ruled by queen Nagalika. She had even issued her own coins in the region. Everybody knows Mahakavi Kalidas. But, we should remember that this great pundit from north was invited to Maharashtra by a great woman. Name of that lady is Kumardevi. She was daughter of Samrat Chandragupta and ruled Marathwada and Madhya Pradesh region. She wanted a scholar like Kalidas to teach her kids. That is how he came to Maharashtra. Unfortunately women have lost the status in society which they had about a thousand years back. As a society we should seriously ponder over this matter. We need to find out the root cause responsible for this and take necessary corrective actions, he emphasised.
Author of the book Sudha Risbud said unfortunately today women who are homemakers or give priority to family are portrayed as victims and stressed the need to change this grim state of affairs. (FOC)
