A bevy of women achievers were felicitated on International Women’s Day celebrations at Nazrul Tirtha by a New Town-based youth development group named Ahana.
“Women have traditionally been more intelligent than men and this is why they were pushed into the kitchen — so they couldn’t participate in matters of the intellect,” said author Kana Basu Misra. “Even now, when many of them are liberated one hears of women being killed or forced to commit suicide. So more needs to be done.”
Poet Chitra Lahiri said that while women need to fight for their rights they need to realise that men are not the enemy. “We need to progress together in harmony. For instance, I’m a married woman but I have maintained my independence,” she said.
Painter Eleena Banik, who had brought along her little daughter Amaravati, pointed out the challenges of being a single mother. Amaravati is an IVF child. “A painter’s job is not a 9-to-5 one. In the West, there are many creches to help in such situations but not much here.” Actress Mita Chatterjee said that women mustn’t forget themselves in the midst of their responsibilities.
“I hope the audience is inspired by the words of the achievers today,” said Monica Roy, the founder of Ahana.
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