The Hindu : New Delhi News : Inside Delhi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Inside Delhi

Women issues

Aimed at bringing to the fore women-related issues, the Delhi Government in association with the Institute for Human Development is organising an international symposium in the Capital to discuss the multi-dimensional issues and concerns affecting Asian women. The three-day symposium in October would be held under the aegis of the Asian Network of 21 Major Cities.

The objective of the symposium is to discuss the extent to which the Asian women have managed to break shackles promoted by traditional institutions which were responsible for the present day patriarchal social order and assess their march towards an inclusive, equitable, gender sensitive and modern social, political and economic order.

Likely to be attended by about 150 national and international experts from diverse fields, the symposium according to Alakh N. Sharma of the Institute for Human Development would help in drawing key conclusions and agenda for change. "In addition we also plan to organise two panel discussions on women's issues and concerns, which are important in the fast changing world," he said.

Based on discussions spread through six theme sessions -- Access to basic capabilities; Gender-based division of labour and access to employment; Socio-political, legal processes and institutions; Popular culture and gender; Women's movement and women specific civil society groups; and Gender and governance -- the symposium is expected to come out with a declaration incorporating the main conclusions and an agenda for change.

Bovine menace

The problem of stray cattle roaming on the roads and affecting traffic flow has started resurfacing in several parts of the city. And one major "black spot'' in this respect now is the Noida Mor crossing on National Highway 24 where nearly half a dozen bulls have been laying siege for over a fortnight.

Posing a grave traffic hazard, these bulls stand, sit or walk around the place in a really haughty manner displaying gross contempt for all others on the street. But while their occupation of the central verge or pavements does not cause any bother, very often they are seen sitting or standing right in the middle of the road -- which forces motorists to swerve suddenly in order to avoid hitting them.

In doing so, the motorists run the risk of colliding with each other as the traffic on the highway is heavy and lane driving is an absolute must to avoid a collision. Under such circumstances vehicles applying sudden brakes or turning sharply to avoid hitting these animals up front become very vulnerable to accidents.

The bulls also often become violent, especially when they engage in a war of attrition with each other. While a bullfight is always a sight to behold, the busy carriageways of the highway are not the best of places for these encounters of the fierce type. And the sight of rampaging bulls is often very disturbing for with their size and speed they can more than dent a car or motorcycle.

But despite these bulls holding fort for over a fortnight now, the civic agencies -- many of whose officials are bound to be residing in East Delhi and adjoining areas and would have therefore seen their presence -- have so far turned a blind eye to the menace. As a result, the ``bullying'' of ordinary road users is continuing unchecked.

A warm welcome

Though some of them were apprehensive of travelling to a new country, on reaching there they found it to be a home away from home. This was the feeling of a majority of Indian teachers from 12 schools in Delhi and Ghaziabad who recently went Down Under to familiarise themselves with that country's educational set-up.

Under this exchange programme -- jointly organised by the Asia Education Foundation, Australian Education International and Australia-India Council -- the teachers had a first-hand experience of teaching in Australian schools. All students in Australia are given equal opportunities to choose between academic subjects and sports, aviation, graphics, computers and extra curricular activities.

On their arrival, the teachers were surprised to learn that the Australian students knew all about them. The student community was curious to know how traditional Indian weddings are held. It was also excited to receive "bindis'' and "mehandis''.

As the Vice-Principal of Bloom Public School, Sonia Saluja, now puts it: "I was a bit sceptical before going to Australia but after reaching there I was overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity extended by my hosts. I was especially thrilled that students had put up banners in my name."

A teacher in the R.K.Puram branch of Delhi Public School, Vanita Sehgal, recalls: "It was interesting to note that Australian teachers give a lot of encouragement to their students to think independently and do not influence them with their own opinions."

The Counsellor of the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, Quentin Stevenson Perks, remarks: "It is good to see Indian schools establishing relationship with Australian schools. Such relationships would hold us in good stead."

Madhur Tankha

By Lalit K. Jha, Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar & Madhur Tankha

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