Balasore, Oct. 20: A group of people yesterday worshipped an octogenarian woman in a remote seaside village of the district. Inspired by two socio-cultural organisations, the organisers carried out the programme to drive in the message of the supremacy of the divine mother.

Eight other women were also picked up for being worshipped in a similar manner.

This was a way of acknowledging the contributions of 82-year-old Usiman Nisa, a resident of Dublagadi village, who has been spreading the message of peace and communal harmony. Through her work, she has won the love and affection of all.

“The Mother cannot be limited by religion or caste. She is the symbol of universal love and affection. This message has been further strengthened after Usiman Nisa was worshipped,” said Subasini Jena, a social activist, explaining the attempt to deify the widow. Jena said Usiman was respected by all because of her affectionate approach and the fact that she was truly secular.

Jena and her friends, have been inspired by Baleswari Kala Kendra, a cultural association, and Yuga Shree Yuga Nari, a literary organisation, which have been making the same kind of attempt at recognising the contributions of elderly women working in various fields since last year by worshipping them during Sharadiya Naba Ratra.

These organisations select nine such women and each one is worshipped till completion of nine-day Naba Ratra. “We have begun this kind of worship since last year. While in Balasore town we did it last year, this year it is being done in a seaside village, Dublagadi,” said Kesu Das, the director of Baleswari Kala Kendra.