Former chief minister Nandini Satpathy

Bhubaneswar, June 10: A talk was hosted here today on ‘Social divisions in Indian society’ to commemorate the 82nd birth anniversary of former chief minister Nandini Satpathy at Jayadev Bhavan.

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat and Congress MP Renuka Choudhury took part in the discussion. On the occasion, both the politicians said that technology and social reform movements were the need of the hour.

Karat said that even in 2013 women found it a daunting task to succeed in politics. “Nandini Satpathy has left behind a legacy by being such a charismatic leader and bearing the role of chief minister during those days when politics was a distant dream for most women,” she said.

“Even today we have not been able to get the Woman’s Reservation Bill passed, which tells the tale of discrimination against women in Indian politics,” said Karat.

She also lamented that caste discrimination still existed in the country.

“In a survey we found that untouchability was still followed in the country. Until we eliminate caste system and bring about social reformation, the country cannot advance in real terms. Strong religious differences and caste discrimination today are scary,” said the CPI(M) Politburo member.

Choudhury, who prefers being known as the daughter-in-law of Odisha, as her husband Sridhar Choudhury’s family hails from Rayagada, said that Satpathy was a brave and strong woman and a great leader.

“She had a pet tiger and that reflected her own strength! That apart, her initiatives towards Odisha’s farmers as the chief minister are admirable,” she said. The Congress leader also took on male members of the Parliament during her speech saying that their bonding was so strong in the House that after supporting the Women’s Reservation Bill in front of media, they get together to ensure that the process was delayed. She also condemned social divisions in form of caste and gender biases.

“Knowledge is the only tool that can bridge the differences. Right to education is the magic wand that can cure this disease,” she said.

A special illustrated postcard dedicated to Nandini Satpathy by India Post was also released on the occasion.