It is not a story or any other ordinary tale. It is
an example of sheer courage and determination. Having faced the brunt of
extreme physical and verbal abuse, it was enough for these rural women of
Nellore district of AP. These men would come home heavily drunk, use foul
language, and beat up their wife and kids. The men used their entire earning on
‘arrack’, and when left with no money
they would start selling household items including hard earned food material, utensils
even wives’ sari in exchange of liquor.
‘Arrack’ is a rectified
spirit. It is generated by distilling fermented molasses, grains or fruits
depending on the country where it is being produced. Due to its low cost and
easy availability, ‘arrack’ was the most widely consumed drink by poor people. ’Toddy’
– locally made liquor.
Communication,
education and sharing helped women a lot - At the
community wells and while working on fields these women used to discuss their
problem. And one day they decided to talk about it with the Sarpanch, who agreed to them but could
not help much. The very next day these women gathered and moved to the
outskirts of the village from where the ‘toddy’ cart enters, they stood in
front of the cart and strongly told the person in unison to throw this menace
away. Seeing the collective power of these women the driver got scared and
moved back.
Many
people tried to manipulate the ladies so that liquor may enter village anyhow,
but these women decided not to give up, they demanded that ‘arrack’ should not be sold in their
village. The women stood unmoved.
The ‘arrack’ contractor felt cold
nerve, they made various attempts, plans but none worked.
This
gave immense strength to the women who stood united and strong. Gradually this
achievement encouraged women from other neighboring villages to join hands,
they too had similar problems. Women from urban localities too joined this
team, and hence it took the shape of a massive revolt against liquor. They got
support later from NGO’s, opposition parties and local leaders.
Eventually
these women succeeded in their endeavor and things changed for better. It clearly sets an example of great courage as
their journey was not easy as it is told. They sailed the storm bravely because
they were united.
(Image - here)
"The collective power of these women" -- it's amazing the amount of change a group can make when they stick together.
ReplyDeleteThanks dear. Unity makes us strong.
DeleteSeriously Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much...More power to them..
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Mansi :-)
DeleteThe poor are generally suppressed but there is strength in unity as you have demonstrated.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachna.Unity is indeed strength.
DeleteThe first step/initiative is so important.Inspiring story!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Rajeev.
DeleteMany stories like these which speak of courage and unity, of taking a stand, should be told. You've done well by sharing with us the story of the fight of the Nellore women and their victory against a long standing evil. Good job Swati.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anupam. Many such inspiring stories remain hidden or get dim with time. They must be shared.
DeleteIt is a menace widely prevalent in almost he entire country.The womenfolk from other villages in different parts of the country should follow suit.In unity and perseverance lie the strength.
ReplyDeleteYou said it well 'in unity and perseverance lie the strength'. If we stand as one entity no one can fail us.
Delete