A day with difference for Vrindavan widows

Vrindavan: For the elderly widows of Vrindavan, it was an International Women’s Day with a difference.

They participated with great zeal in a COVID vaccination drive at a state-run public health facility in the temple town on Monday.

A large numbers of them, mostly in their 80s and living in widows ashrams, took part in the vaccination programme, observing all the Covid protocols.

Sulabh Hope Foundation took initiative with the help of the government hospital to make International Women’s Day special for mothers living in Vrindavan’s Maa Sharda Ashram.

One of the widows, Kamla Adhikari (86), said, “We have followed all restrictions and remained inside our ashram for last one year and now we are feeling happy today after taking vaccine along with two dozen other sisters. It’s precious gift on the occasion of the Women’s Day.”

Vice President of Sulabh Hope Foundation Mrs Veenita Verma said, “It was a memorable moment for us to see elderly mothers waiting for their turn for vaccination in local hospital and we are thankful to the government authorities for their support.”

Sulabh NGO looks after hundreds of widows living in various ashrams in Vrindavan and Varanasi since 2012.

The organisation has been playing a leading role in adding mirth to the lives of widows by organising various functions for them from time to time.

On a routine basis, Sulabh provides them medical facilities and vocational training besides meeting their day-to-day needs so that they do not feel left out during the twilight years of their lives.

It may be mentioned here that a large numbers of widows, mostly from West Bengal, are taken care of by Sulabh, which supports them and even organises rituals like Holi and Dipawali festivities. Earlier they were not allowed to take part in such rituals.

With an aim to bringing a ray of happiness and countering the tradition of widowhood, noted social reformer Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh Movement, came up with this unique idea to organise the festival of lights, especially for the widows, and thanks to all his efforts, the jubilation still continues. (UNI)