Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, July 27: With resounding calls for justice and unity, the Dakshina Kannada District Conference of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) was held with fervour and purpose at the Rani Abbakka Nagar stage, Bishop Jathanna Auditorium, Balmatta, Mangaluru.

The day-long event witnessed women activists, writers, artists, and community leaders coming together to demand justice for victims of alleged suspicious deaths, champion women’s rights, and challenge growing communal tensions in society.

A strong opening: Voices of resistance and hope

The conference commenced with district president Jayanti B Shetty hoisting the flag, followed by a spirited welcome address from renowned theatre artist and chair of the welcome committee, Geetha Suratkal.

The gathering was formally inaugurated by acclaimed writer and professor Sabita Bannady Nagari, who delivered an impactful keynote address that set the tone for the day—demanding justice, equality, and secularism.

Key voices and presence

The event featured speeches and participation from several prominent individuals including veteran poet Chandrakala Nandavar, AIDWA state secretary Devi, and welcome committee president Flavy Crasta. Also in attendance were K S Lakshmi, AIDWA state vice-president; Bharti Bolara, district secretary; and key leaders Prameela Shaktinagar, Shameema Bhanu of Tannirbavi, Eshwari Padmunj, Latha Lakshman, Asunta D’Souza, Madhuri Bolara, among others.

Each speaker emphasised the urgent need to resist communal divides, strengthen women’s safety, and uphold democratic values.

Resolutions passed: A call for action

The conference concluded with the adoption of strong resolutions, reflecting both local concerns and broader societal issues. First, AIDWA demanded that the unnatural deaths of Padmalatha, Sowjanya, Vedavalli, and Yamuna be brought under the purview of a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The resolution stressed that justice in these high-profile cases has been long delayed and that an independent investigation is crucial for the truth to prevail.

Second, to ensure women can fully benefit from the Shakti Yojana (free bus travel for women), the association urged the government to increase the number of government-run buses across both rural and urban areas of the district.

Third, in response to the rise in gender-based violence, the conference called for strict enforcement of laws, improved policing, and proactive governance to ensure the safety and dignity of women.

New leadership elected

In the post-lunch session, organisational proceedings took place, culminating in the unanimous election of a new district committee, signalling renewed energy and direction for the local chapter of AIDWA.

Symbolism and spirit

Framed against the backdrop of rising communal tensions and gender-based injustice, the conference emerged as a powerful platform for progressive voices. With the resounding slogan to “defeat communalism through unity,” the gathering reaffirmed the role of organised women’s movements in protecting secular, democratic, and constitutional values.