This was a full day workshop with young women from different communities, on occasion of the upcoming 75th Republic Day of India. In the entire month of January, Anubhuti had organized a series of activities such as intellectual gatherings, film screenings, study circles, talks and other events to mark the anniversaries of several icons of India.
This workshop was a part of this, to remember our great women icons whose anniversaries fall in this month. Savitribai Phule, Fatima Sheikh, and Jijasaheb (mother of Shivaji Maharaj), who represent the diversity of Indian grassroot communities who have led social, political and intellectual reform, and whose work continues to inspire entire movements as well as common women, men and youth on the ground. A screening of the movie Satyashodhak opened up the life stories of leaders and incidents that the girls had heard of before – such as Mukta Salve, Lahuji Salve and their ground-breaking stands against patriarchy, casteism, Brahmanism and Manuwadi thought. The youngsters hold these icons very close to their hearts; Savitribai throwing open the doors of schools and drinking water wells at great risk to her life – holds a very different and real meaning for these youth in comparison to those from privileged backgrounds. These youth consider these icons as their personal heroines and their personal role models. The solidarities being built among these daughters of Savitrimai, who meet once every month, we are sure will inspire many more changes. The next month’s meeting topic is given below.