Pics: Manju Neereshwallya
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Aug 5: "A better society will be created when women get good education, are empowered and advanced. If women are not protected, development cannot take place," said Sampat Pal Devi, founder of the famous Gulabi Gang of Uttar Pradesh.

She was addressing a workshop on distress management organized in memory trade union leader, writer, and Ayurveda proponent Mangalpady Namadev Shenoy who passed away in June this year. The programme was held at TV Ramana Pai Convention Hall here on Tuesday August 5.

"Women has her own identity, and she has to live it. No women is inferior. Women should raise their voice against atrocities. I am not highly educated but I have the experience to deal with society. We(women) have given birth to men, we have taught them culture. We should protect ourselves. Be united. Women are still dwelling in old policies and laws. We should break the shackles and come out. Life will be good if men and women are considered as two tyres of motor vehicle," she said.

"I have formed this organization (Gulabi Gang) for doing good work. We are not looting anyone. We are doing a good job. No government can protect women, each one should be self-reliant like Sampat Pal. Etch the forehead of rapists with the word 'rapist'. Our country is beautiful, and there are good as well as bad people," she added.

On this occasion, the biography of Mangalpady Namdev Shenoy authored by columnist Santhosh Thammaiah was released.

Chakravarthi Sulibele, mentor of Yuva Brigade, said, "There are people who reform the society but they remain unrecognized. Mangalpady Namadev Shenoy is one of the finest example for that. Mangalpady Namadev Shenoy was a social activist who lived for society. His life was inspired by the RSS. Namadev Shenoy was a person who believed in and lead his life on the principles of Karmayoga.

Usha Jagirdhar said, "As we develop, human values are declining. Problems should be treated without any bias with a humanitarian approach. Society should understand the pain of rape victims, and their feelings. Women should break all barriers and come forward to express their problems. Media should realize its social responsibility while divulging information relating to the rape victim."

Retired major Bhavana Chiranjay conducted workshop on 'Distress management for women'.

Pundalika Shenoy and others were present.

Speaking to media on the sidelines, Sampat Pal Devi said, "There are four lac workers in Gulabi Gang. Meeting is held every month. There are commanders who look after the Gang. There is demand for such a Gang in Karnataka.

"When the condition of women changes, the country will change. Children should be taught good moral values. Education and awarness can bring down the cases of assault on women. Our country has good laws but they are not followed. There two cases on me for teaching lesson to police officers. I am not looting anyone, I am fighting for justice. We are empowering women. I even contested the elections from Congress."

Answering a question on moral policing, she said, "No one has the right to interfere in someone's personal affairs."

On the defamation suit filed against the film 'Gulab Gang', she said, "They have portrayed me in bad light for the purpose of business. The case is still in high court."