[Reader-list] Invitation (Stree Samman DIvas)

[Lokesh]

Women's Rights Organisation
cordially invites you to a
Seminar  & Cultural Programme
on the occasion of the
77 th Anniversary of the 'Burning of Manusmriti'
by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar
which is being celebrated as 'Stree Samman Divas' ( Day for Women's Dignity)

Time and Venue : 12 noon Wednesday, 22 rd December 2004
Tagore Hall, Arts Faculty, North Campus,
Delhi University,Delhi

Dear Friend

You are cordially invited for a programme to be held on 22 nd December 
2004 as part of the* STREE SAMMAN DIVAS (DAY FOR WOMEN'S DIGNITY)* 
celebrations organised by Stree Adhikar Sangathan ( Women's Rights 
Organisation) at TAGORE HALL, DELHI UNIVERSITY ( NORTH CAMPUS) at 12 noon

You are quite aware that it was on 25 th December 1927 that thousands of 
people came together under the leadership of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar to 
consign to flames Manusmriti the 'sacred' book which epitomised and 
legitimised the subhuman existence of the socially and culturally 
downtrodden in the Indian society, especially the dalits and the women.
As things stand today officially the Manusmriti might have been replaced 
by the more egalitarian Indian Constitution more than fifty years ago 
but at an informal level it continues to hold sway over the thinking and 
actions of a vast majority of the Indian people. Dalits, women and a 
broad section of the other socially oppressed strata are still condemned 
to live under the oppressive structures and institutions sanctified by it.

To underline the fact of the societal violence which continues unabated 
till date we have been celebrating the day when Manusmriti was burnt as 
a day for Women's Dignity " Stree Samman Divas"since last two years.As 
part of this celebrations this year we have decided to hold a seminar to 
debate and discuss the 'Challenge of Communalism and Women's Movement'. 
LOOKING AT THE UNIVERSITY SCHEDULE WE ARE ORGANISING THE SAID PROGRAMME 
ON 22 ND DECEMBER ITSELF. You might be aware that STRRE ADHIKAR 
SANGATHAN has started to celebrate this day since last two years. Two 
years ago we have publicly felicitated BHANWARI DEVI from BHATERI, 
RAJASTHAN for her valiant struggle for women's rights.

As part of this programme we have invited Social activist MS TEESTA 
SETALVAD, Feminist scholar Ms NIVEDITA MENON, Intellectual-activist 
ADITYA NIGAM, Dr. SWATI JOSHI and few other leading activists and 
academics to participate in the discussion on CHALLENGE OF COMMUNALISM 
AND INDIAN WOMEN.

We will be very happy if you can join us for this  event. A few leading 
cultural troupes from Delhi have also agreed to present a few songs and 
skits after the seminar.

Hoping to meet you in the programme .

for Women's Rights Organisation
Ph: 011-27872835 / 0532-2552324