“Indian outlook of feminism and women’s role in the society differs from the western concept, as men and women complement each other in our society. As we incorporate neglected and forgotten pieces of our history, we will also assimilate women’s contribution. The history of men and women are not separate”, said Smt Mridula Sinha, Hon’ble Governor of Goa.
Smt Sinha was speaking as a chief guest at the inaugural session of two day national seminar on “Women Discourse in Indian History Writings” being conducted during 17-18 Aug 2019 at TSCAB, Rajendra nagar, Hyderabad.
This women seminar is conducted by Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojana New Delhi and Itihas Sankalana Telangan state, supported by Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) New Delhi.
The governor shared her own experiences of growing up in the culturally-rich Mithilanchal region of Bihar, seeped in abundant folk oral traditions. As an author of Seetha’s biography, ‘Main Seetha Hun’, she said every woman has a bit of Seetha and Savitri in her.
She added that tremendous changes have occurred in the status of women in the last few decades. Fathers have taken their daughters to school on their bicycles and today we can witness how women scientists have been part of successful Agni missiles testing and Chandrayaan.
She expressed that the seminar represents past, present and future of women. She humorously added that at least 33%men should be present in women’s conferences so that together we can find solutions.
Vandaneeya Sushri Shantakka, Akhil Bharatiya Sanchalika, Rashtra Sevika Samithi, in her main address stated that there were several women scholars and Rishikas in our Vedas and other scriptures. Surya Rishika has written many hymns which are still followed in our marriage traditions. She said that women in ancient times took part in administration, management and warfare. Queen Nagarika of Satavahanas was the first queen in the world.
After invasions, and certain inherent issues in our society, women’s status has gone down. With a Bharatiya outlook, we need to correct and resolve these issues.
The President of Ithihas Sankalan Samithi Sri SC Mittal said that our scriptures have always given women a very superior status and says ‘a mother is a guru equal to hundred gurus’. He pointed that the western Abrahamic and literary traditions have always presented women in an inferior way.
On this occassion, a book in Hindi, ‘Women in Law-making’ by Dr Vidya Deodhar was released by the Hon’ble Governor and other dignitaries.
Smt Sushmitha Pandey and Smt Vanidevi Surabhi, organizing committee members; Smt Abhidha Dhumatkar from Sathey college, Mumbai were the other speakers of the opening session panel.
The organisers of the event said that the objects of the seminar are twofold -A) To examine the Indian perspective on women through the critical lens of History – na Mulam llikyate kincid i.e on the basis of sources, being the guiding priciple of Itihas Sankalan Yojana. B) To bring to surface the latent academic talent among many women academicians.
Nearly 200 women delegates including scholars, academicians, professionals from various part of the country are participating and presenting their papers in this two day seminar.
