Vrindavan, Sep 25 (IANS): To promote self-esteem among the 2,000-odd widows in various ashrams in Vrindavan, Sulabh International has invited 250 of them to New Delhi where they will be felicitated Thursday.

Five ambulances will also be presented to them to cater to any health emergency. Sulabh has also promised to ensure adequate medical care for the widows.

"We have invited them to New Delhi to attend a function. We are also going to release a book, "New Life", compiled especially on them," said Sulabh Founder Bindeshwar Pathak.

"We have started giving Rs.1,000 per month to each widow in five government-run shelters in Vrindavan. We have also opened a healthcare centre for them and to provide for their last rites," Pathak said.

He added: "Our first task would be to motivate orphans and physically fit widows to enlist in vocational training programmes so that they don't become a burden on society and are able to earn their livelihood."

The Supreme Court had expressed concern on the plight of the widows after the mutilated body of a widow was found in a sack in Vrindavan.