Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Aug 24: "Women from Bunt community have emerged as leaders in various fields. They have also fought injustice and upheld righteousness. This conference is organized to recall and preserve our tradition, culture and heritage," said Sadhvi Matanandamayi of Odiyoor Math.
She was addressing the gathering after inaugurating 'Shakti', a national-level Bunts women's convention organized under the auspices of Sri Siddivinayaka Prathistana and Sarvajanika Sri Ganeshostava Samiti at Bunts Hostel premises here on Sunday August 24.
"Bunt community follows matriarchal system. A woman can achieve anything but she should have the desire to achieve it. In contemporary scenario, women are subjected to violence and injustice, but we should face our problems bravely," she said.
She also said that woman is the divine power and moral energy, and that society could be changed through service-mindedness and dedication.
Shakunthala Shetty, MLA of Puttur, said, "We follow matriarchy system. Women belonging to this community have become role models to others right from the time of Rani Abbakka. Women have the capacity to achieve but hesitate to come forward. In bygone days women had special status; but today we have only degrees and doctorates. In our fight for equality, we have stepped down from our positions."
She added that the mother should be a good teacher to her son.
"A person who respects his mother will respect his nation. Like Goddess Durga, women should fight injustice," she said.
Kannada film actor Tara Anuradha said, "Do anything that brings honour to you. Woman has power but someone needs to remind her that she has it. Behind every successful man, there is a woman. If you work with self-respect and courage, you will achieve success."
She also lauded the chicken recipies of Tulunadu.
On this occasion, Meera Krishnappa, vice-president of Bunts Sangha Bangalore, Lata J Shetty, vice-president of Bunts Sangha Mumbai were present. Dr Asha Jyothi Rai welcomed.