Patna, Jan. 30: Women play an important role in families and society but are rarely recognised for their efforts.

This was observed by a number of academics today during the inaugural function of a two-day seminar on “The struggle of working women shown in Hindi literature in the post-Independence period” at JD Women’s College. University Grants Commission sponsored the seminar.

Art, culture and youth affairs minister Sukhda Pandey, Gopeshwar Singh, the head of Hindi department, Delhi University, Banshidhar Lal, the head of Hindi department Magadh University and Manjurani Singh, who teaches Hindi at Visva-Bharati expressed their views on the issue.

Pandey said: “Women play a crucial role in families and society, but their efforts are rarely recognised. This is because society is still based on the patriarchal structure, which accords women a secondary status.”

Gopeshwar said: “Be it young poet Rajni Anuragi or Nirmala Putul, a poet belonging to a tribal community, women authors have tried to give Hindi literature a new direction. All of them have come up with new perception about women through their writings. But we cannot forget the contributions of male writers who tried to focus on condition of women. Swayam Prakash is one such writer.”

Several writers associated with Hindi literature have not only showcased the pathetic condition of women through their writings, they have also encouraged women to fight against all odds.

Pandey said her department has sanctioned Rs 4 lakh for the construction of a new gymnasium for the college.