Social activist Vidya Bal’s work is an excellent example of collective leadership and an indicator that women can bring in positive change in society with collective leadership, according to activist Aruna Roy.
Roy was speaking at the function to felicitate Vidya Bal on her 75th birthday, organised by the magazine, Miloon Saryajani,
along with other women’s organisations.
Appreciating Bal’s rich contribution to the feminist movement, Roy said Bal’s life itself was a revolution, and that she derived inspiration from Bal. She felt that feminism meant ‘having the right to decide’.
“Maharashtra has terrific feminists, who have always inspired activists. They were criticised and faced many hurdles, but yet they motivated numerous women to break the shackles of oppression and fight for their rights,” Roy said.
Expressing concern about the young widows in north-eastern states, she said that they were widowed as their husbands were killed by the government forces, who suspected that they were involved in anti-social activities.
“I recently met these young widows. They were pleading for proper education for their children. They have no source of income and the government has turned a deaf ear to their pleas, claiming they were supporting anti-social activities,” she said.
Roy stated that the government should either withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) or make necessary amendments in it to give justice to the people in the North-East, who feel they have been neglected by the rest of India.
Bal expressed her gratitude towards all her friends and supporters, saying her success was actually a fruit of their hard work.
Author and activist Urmila Pawar, also a close friend of Bal, shared some anecdotes from her life. Editor of Miloon Saryajani, VM Geetali, was present at the function.
