Campaign in Kundapur against trafficking of women and children

Silvester D’ Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Oct 28: "There is a network kidnapping children and selling them in cities like Mumbai and Delhi for beggary.  There are instances of violence against women.  Such incidents can only be stopped by creating awareness in society. Changes can be brought about by being alert," said district incharge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake.

Sorake was speaking after inaugurating a campaign to curb trafficking of women and children, held under the aegis of zilla panchayat Udupi, taluk panchayat Kundapur, Kundapur taluk Stree Shakthi Okkoota and Spoorthi rural development and training association, Koteshwar at R N Shetty Mini Hall.
 
“Women have involved themselves in various spheres on par with men.  They have identified themselves in politics also. There were struggles for women’s liberation even before Independence.  Though former prime minister Indira Gandhi had threat to her life, she was not afraid.  The Anganvadi centres which came into existence during her rule have grown to strengthen womenfolk and hold development programmes for them. Now, women need be awakened to safeguard against rape and violence.  When a saree has 26 different uses how strong will the woman wearing it be.  Women have involved themselves in building the nation for long,” said minister Sorake. 
 
“Though there is a law to compulsorily educate children up to 14 years of age, the practice of employing them has not stopped.  There should be awareness in society regarding these things.  Udupi district has advanced in education, health and business sectors.  The district should grow in awareness as well,” he said.

Rajendra Bekal in his keynote address expressed anguish regarding increasing cases of trafficking of women and children. 

Infant development official Bhagirathi welcomed and Akashvani artiste Ganesh Gangolli conducted the programme.  Spoorthi association executive Keshava Koteshwar coordinated. A drama depicting trafficking of children was enacted by Bharath Nirman volunteer service group.  The reasons for children and women’s problems were explained by Premanand Kalmadi of Native organization, Udupi and the reasons for children’s sale and their repercussions were explained by professor Pramila J Vas prior to the programme.
 
Taluk panchayat president Deepika Shetty presided over the programme.  Zilla panchayat vice-president Mamatha R Shetty, zilla panchayat education and health committee president Ganapathi Sriyan, Kundapur department official C P Yogeshwar, Taluk panchayat executive Gopal Shetty, Native organization Udupi’s Premanand Kalmadi, Barkur Rukmini Shedthy, College professor Pramila J Vas, deputy director of Women’s and children development department, Rajendra Bekal; Stree Shakti group president Bhanumathi C K and Women’s Okkoota president Radhadas were present.