Women Should be Mothers to the Society – Shakuntala Shetty during DCCW Women’s Convention
Mangaluru: To mark the World Women’s day, the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women organized Women’s Convention with the theme “Women, Crime and Women Empowerment” at the Rosario Hall, here on March 31.
The programme began with an invocation. President of DCCW Terry Pais welcomed the gathering. The convention was inaugurated by the Monsignor Maxim Noronha of Mangaluru Diocese by watering the plant along with the former MLA of Puttur Shakuntala Shetty and others on the dais.
Addressing the gathering Monsignor Maxim Noronha said, “I am very happy to inaugurate this convention. We are in the election process and the election code of conduct is in force. In everyone’s life from birth to death women have played a vital role. Women are coming forward in every field and they are actively taking part in social service activities. In every person’s life women are important but if we look back the youth especially girls are very hesitant to come forward in any field. They do not show much interest to take an active part in social service or Politics. Women should encourage the youth to come forward in all the fields. I wish the organizers all the very best for organizing this women’s convention.”
The spiritual director of DCCW Fr Francis D’Souza speaking on the occasion said, “Women are the beautiful creation of God. She is the centre of the home, the strength of the family and she strives hard for the well-being of others. There is a saying in English, ‘A Woman is a wonderful mother, she is an outstanding friend, marvelous daughter, adorable sister and nicest gift to humankind’. I wish everyone all the very best”.
Former MLA of Puttur Shakuntala Shetty was the speaker for the programme. The theme of the convention was “Women, Crime and Politics”. Briefing on her own story Shakuntala Shetty said, “I am sharing my experience without violating the election code of conduct. I start with my own story on how women face problems when they get into politics. There are four problems women face and I am the living example. When a woman joins politics she faces personal, Family, Social and party problems. If she can get over all these problems she will be successful. Men say women should not be given freedom but I say give freedom to women. Speaking about politics, I was born in the Patel family and when I was young I was very rough and tough whereas my sister used to speak to everyone so I was avoiding going out with her. Since she was speaking to everyone she got married at the age of 18.”
Shakuntala Shetty further said, “After my marriage, I was afraid to stay in my husband’s house because of the wild animals. My husband was a school headmaster and he used to say not to be afraid of snakes or wild animals. In 1967 I got married and in 1975 I become Akka to everyone. I was staying in a place where people were believing in superstitions and most of them were depending on me even to go to the hospital. When there was the Gram Panchayat election people requested me to contest as an independent. I was not at all interested in politics but my husband forced me to contest the elections. Finally, I filed my nomination and in 1978 I was elected unanimously from Kunthur. I am very proud of my people who are very innocent and I will not forget them throughout my life.”
Shakuntala also said, “When anyone did a mistake I used to question them. Later I decided to start an organization for girls. While the news of t spread, a political party approached me and requested me to join their party. I refused to join any political party. Once members of a party came to my house and requested me to join their party. My husband told them that we would decide about it later and we went to Goa for a tour. When we came back in a week those who had come to my house had made me the member of their party without my knowledge and the media has already published the news. I was really shocked to see my photo in the newspaper. My life after joining the political party was very tough. Before reaching the party office at 9:30 am for meetings and other party work, I had to finish my household chores including cooking for about 50 workers and my family. Since I was very good at time management I could handle my work well. When women join politics at a young age, they should be capable of handling situations, some men in the party will try to harass you, especially if you are beautiful. When we love everyone as our brothers and elders most of our problems will be solved.”
“There will be family problems because every man is not the same. When we talk to men or come home late from party meetings family members will ask, why are you late? If you are not able to satisfactorily and confidently answer their question your in-laws and neighbours will make stories about you. You should also be prepared to solve family problems. When we find any mistakes we need to correct them immediately. Politics means you should be capable to correct the society. Women should be the mothers of society. When we help others and are dedicated to social activities we will be the perfect mothers. When someone is facing problems we should wipe out their tears, such qualities will make us perfect mothers. Politics is not so easy, once you are elected there are many, especially women themselves within the party and outside to pull your legs. If we are patient and good with everyone we can handle the situation well. If you get the opportunities to join the politics, please do so,” advised Shakuntala.
DCCW advisor Prof Leena Fernandes, Prof Rita Noronha, DCCW general secretary Gretta Pinto and others were also present.
