Noted social worker and cultural activist Dr Mridula Tandon was the recipient of honours and felicitated at a graceful assembly of writers and social figures, organised by the foundation SIET, on Tuesday evening at India International Centre. Poet Zeeshan Niazi of Kanpur presented and conducted the proceedings with his wit and ability. The evening commenced with a heart wrenching performance by adolescent girls from SAKSHI NGO and their performance to the song Aye Khuda depicted the evils against women prevalent in the society. It spread a strong message encompassing issues like female foeticide, dowry, rape, domestic violence, girl child education, gender equality and among others.
A lyrical follow up to the message of gender disparity was next – Ghazals by Shakeel Ahmed. The overflowing hall and appreciative applause evidenced the audience response. His singing, range and depth fascinated everyone present. Dr Tandon said that promoting the cause of literature and ensuring its robust growth to the benefit of writers and poets, the very soul of the nation’s culture, was necessary to retain our basic values, sensitivity and rootedness to our civilization in a fast changing world. SIET aims to bring the Urdu and Hindi poetry and literature back into mainstream awareness by showcasing the awesome talent that exists in this sphere.
These cultural activities depicting women empowerment is very important to change the mindset of the people. The saddest part is, even after all these efforts when we see women still being harassment, it seems that all these plays and movies which are made have gone in vain.
