BHUBANESWAR: As the whole world prepares to worship
Goddess Durga, a group of artists and writers observed 'Naba matruka puja' - the worship of nine eminent women who have contributed to different fields - here on Sunday.
The nine women achievers from diverse fields felicitated on the occasion include Baidehi Routray, painter, Nilamani Samanta, homemaker, Sumitra Chaudhury, social activist, Rama Devi, scholar, Sailarani Mishra, publisher, Sabitri Devi, environmentalist, Santi Devi, service, Sakuntala Nanda, vedic priest and Nirupama Acharya, writer.
"These mothers are the living goddesses, who have been silently working for the society, never expecting anything in return. This is a very humble attempt to honour and thank them for their lifelong contribution," said Keshu Das, an artist from Baleswari Kala Kendra, which has been organizing the event in association with Jugashree Juganari, a monthly women's magazine, and Arya Samaj.
Noted writer Sakuntala Baliar Singh said, "We have been worshipping idols of Goddess Durga but don't respect the living women around us. We hope this practice will bring about a change in the mindset of people and women will be respected and honoured."
The organizers said they had started this as a campaign and planned to take it to different parts of the state. "The increasing number of nuclear families, parents neglectful of their children and eroded values are the reasons behind increasing incidents of harassment of against women in the country. We must inculcate the practice of worshipping our mothers among our children," said Mamata Mohapatra, one of the organizers.