Activists, scholars honoured on International Women’s Day

Folklore Research Academy organised a special seminar on the occasion of International Women’s Day at Virsa Vihar, in collaboration with the Progressive Writers’ Association.

Women rights activist and scholar Arvinder Kaur Kakra was honoured with the Late Vimla Dang Award. Natasha Narwal, Pinjra Tod activist and JNU scholar, who was jailed for alleged conspiracy in the Delhi riots 2020, was felicitated with the Asma Jahangir Award, named after noted human rights activist and peace ambassador. Both awardees were also given Rs 11,000 cash.

Natasha Narwal said, “Today, we are going through a very critical period. Women are being imprisoned in their homes. They still have to struggle a lot to get freedom. Still, there is much to be done. But I always say we will break all the cages, we will change the course of history,” said Narwal.

CPI leader Daswinder Kaur who was also present on the occasion said Baba Nanak had written about the women as the ones who give birth to kings. “But even today a little has changed for women who are still facing suppression and gender-based discrimination,” she said.

Addressing the gathering, Inderjit Gill said women had to struggle a lot for their rights. “Today, women are participating in every field, but despite this they do not have economic freedom,” she said. Giving the example of Savitri Bai Phule, Gill said when girls were prohibited from going to school she took it upon herself to educate them and paved a new path for them.

Congratulating the audience on International Women’s Day, Arvinder Kaur Kakra said, “Although we talk about women’s freedom, but they are still slaves and their exploitation continues even today. Women are not safe anywhere.” Poets Naranjan Singh Gill and Jaswinder Kaur Jassi regaled the audience with their verses.

In another event held to mark the day, Hermitage, a rehabilitation facility by neuro-psychiatrist Dr JPS Bhatia, sparked a crucial conversation on ‘Digital Love and Lost Intimacy’. The discussion addressed the overlooked issue of how ‘digital love’ is affecting love and intimacy in married relationships. The panel featuring prominent psychiatrist Dr JPS Bhatia, Dr Bharka, Dr Seeta, Dr Salvan and Shveta Sharma explored the effects of excessive screen time, social media comparisons and pornography on married relationships. Deputy Mayor Priyanka Sharma stressed the need to balance technology with real human connections.