MURMARA
On 25th March 2014 the like minded citizens of Belthangady Taluka came together under the huge devudare tree. The programme is called as Murmara which means to wishper, to discuss and make known. Under this banner many public spirited citizens came together representing various Organizations such as Vimukti, Manhila Mandals, Shrisangatan, DKRDS, St.Thomas college, Govt. first grade college Punjalkatte and surrounding people actively participated for three hours. The programme was initiated by welcoming all the gathered. Then Fr.Vinod Mascarenhas introduced the very purpose and meaning of this gathering called Murmara. He said in his sharing that Murmara is nothing but sharing and listening to one another and we must listen and share for this is the opportune time to all citizens who hunger and thirst for the change, change in politics, administration, education, development and especially social status of women at this important juncture. Deeds Organization Director Ms.Merlyn moderating the whole Murmara agreeing with Fr.Vinod, she said we must change and change is buzz word and for us women we must understand what it means to us. She said for us women it is all enough and enough, enough all atrocities, harassments, rape, discrimination and women’s life should change in this regard.

Mary shenoy, a retried teacher from St.Teresa’s school said what is that respectful behavior/decency pertains only to women? Respectful behavior should imply even to men too. What is decency to women should be decency to men, what indecent to women should be men as well. In the families women are worshiped as Goddess but outside they are treated just the opposite by the same men. Further she said what we don’t allow to young girls should not be allowed young boys also. Then one will know what equality means.
Jecintha Monis shared that in lower level some women are chosen in the political field but these women are voiceless and weak in decision making and they totally depend on men for all the decision making issues. She also recalled the harassment meted out by a particular news paper to Ms.Teresa Lobo and when she was mentally down it is the women folk of Belthangady not only stood by her but also led the protest to District Police commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of DK and the agent of the particular news paper treated permanent lesson.

St.Thomas college student shared one incident that took place as she was traveling in the daily bus where she not only objected but also shouted at the man who ill behaved with her; she was of the opinion that we can bring down the rise of harassment against women only when we strongly object and protest and den we will get more support from others too. Another student called Zeena shared that it’s not enough only to protest but parents must treat their daughters and sons equally.

DKRDS, Mr.Joseph as of opinion that there are many young girls more than 4000 girls in DK are disappeared , why are we keeping quiet? There is so much budget is set aside by the Govt after rape and murder in Delhi but single paisa is not spent. We should pressurize the Govt to take sufficient measures to safe guard the rights and interest of the girls and women. Ms. Merlyn asked the gathering to pressurize the Govt to form women protection cell where effective steps are taken to deal not only harassment cases but also disappearing cases.

Teresa Lobo spoke at length about the steady and planned discrimination meted out to girls and women in the field of education and at homes. She was of the opinion that we must begin to change our attitude when a girl child is born in our own families and the system of discriminatory education must be put to an end.

Fr. Jose Ayumgudy said that we must pressurize the political leaders to include 50% women reservation in their election ajenda. We should not limit women empowerment to economic but also social and political.

Nadamani Nalkuru, areevu kuta organizer, was of the opinion that instead of waking at the last hour when the elected Govt is installed now before the election if we speak out things will work out in our favour. Hence let’s organize such as these Murmaras in the various localities and take up citizen concerned issues and make aware all the political party representatives who are fighting the elections.

Nadamani nalkur sang various thought provoking songs and many citizens joined with him and made the listening and sharing Murmara quiet meaningful. Towards the end of the programme Ms. Mamatha consolidated all the issues and points that were raised during the discussion. Ms. Merlyn assured that all these points will be presented to the various political leaders who are contesting the recent elections. Ms. Divya kumari gave the vote of thanks. At one o’clock programme was concluded.