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Tales of courage
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Eight women honoured for exemplary work
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Renuka Chowdhary congratulates a winner
The Naveena Mahila Contest organised by TV9 saw eight women on stage revelling in the applause and wide appreciation. Receiving the award from Minister of State for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhary, these women stood tall becoming an insp
iration for others. The awards were given in the categories of ‘Courage’, ‘Fighting for rights’ and ‘Fighting against social evils’. A profile of these women:
Lakshmi Priya: (for ‘Courage’)
Thirty-year-old Lakshmi Priya was pregnant when she realised that she’s been infected with HIV by her husband. Without losing heart despite the death of her husband and ill-treatment by her in-laws, Lakshmi brought up her daughter and works with an NGO as an outreach worker to help other HIV Positive patients. She is bold enough to openly declare that she is HIV positive.
Usha:
(For ‘Fighting for One’s Rights’)
Fifty-year-old Usha is a firm believer in eradicating caste system. A victim of a bad marriage she did not lose her will to fight. She started a new life by setting up a food-manufacturing unit and provided employment to other women as well. Usha’s objective is to raise her children without teaching them the discrimination between caste and creed. Her elder son’s 10th class application was rejected by school because she had writted “nil” in the column for caste and had given her name in the column for the father’s name. When a mother tries to fulfil her children’s needs why should her name not be included in 10th class certificate? Usha posed this question to the CBSE Board members in Chennai and got the verdict in her favour.
Hajamma: (For ‘Fighting against Social Evil’)
Hajamma from Utkuru village in Mahabubnagar district is a revolutionary in her own right. She was married to the local god in a temple when she was only ten and turned into a Jogini. With a mangalasutra around her neck she went to school and studied upto the Vth std. As a Jogini, marriage was denied to her and she had to be available to the men in the village. About 10 years back when Hajamma decided to marry Lakshmayya, the entire village opposed Hajamma with the help of the local police and an NGO, Ashray, married Lakshmayya. Since then she has been uncompromising in her efforts at ending the practice of Jogini. She is presently the district convenor for Jogini Vyatireka Porata Samithi.
Sujatha: (For ‘Inspiration’)
Sujatha had a near fatal accident in 2001, which changed her life. The paralysis from her neck downwards resulted in her being irreversibly confined to bed. But Sujatha refused to allow fate to take charge of her life. From the confinement of her bed, she started a business and became successful And provided jobs to ten women from socially backward families. She is also an inspiration to the many who face sudden disability and feel disempowered after an accident.
Vijaya: (For ‘Inspiration’)
The 48-year-old Vijaya’s extraordinary talent came to light when she accompanied her house owner for morning walks. Vijaya, who could run a few miles easily without getting tired, was noticed by a few police officers who encouraged her to participate in the Veteran Athletics Meet. A seriously ill husband in bed, a mentally unstable daughter at home and her regular work as a domestic maid in many houses has not deterred Vijaya in any way. She practiced running daily and soon won many prizes. At the Warangal Athetics Meet, she won gold in the 5000 meters run, silver in 1500 and 800 meters.
Even after having attained fame as a sportswoman, she continues to work as a maid to meet her daily needs. With financial aid from a few well-wishers she was able to participate in Sports Meets held in other States.
Her story of following up an unconventional interest in the face of various odds makes her an inspirational winner in the Naveena contest.
Differently Abled: Mint Court Group
Lakshmi, Suvarna, Varalakshmi, Manga, Padma, Aruna. These women have one thing in common, apart from their poverty and educational backwardness. They are all physically challenged. These exemplary women, belonging to the Hayatnagar Mandal of Hyderabad, Under the onus of self-help group of the District Rural Development Authority (DRDA) they took training in sweet corn catering under DRF.
With the financial support of these two groups they started a canteen by the name Mint Court in an office in Hyderabad and run it successfully.
Kiran: (For ‘Young Achiever’)
Kiran, the 16-year-old firebrand from Bihar, had to face many difficulties. As a child, she saw her mother done to death by her own father.
Kiran’s life underwent a total transformation at MV Foundation. Pursuing her Intermediate now, Kiran actively works with MV Foundation and their campaign against child labour.
Lalita Kumari:
(Special Jury Award)
Lalita Kumari, a woman farmer from Rajahmundry, who bought corrupt officials to book has earned Naveena Special Jury members’ recognition.
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