Sharmila bats for zero tolerance towards domestic violence

Stressing on the importance of eradicating domestic violence from grass root level, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore today appealed women Panchayat leaders to take serious steps to put an end to the problem.
The 70-year-old actress was the guest of honour at inaugural ceremony of Institute of Social Sciences' two-day event to celebrate Women's Political Empowerment Day.
When the 73rd Constitutional Amendment with the provision of not less than one-third seats reserved for women became Part IX of the Constitution on April 24, 1993, the Institute took the initiative to celebrate this historic day as Women's Political Empowerment Day at the national level every year.

Addressing the audience which comprised of Panchayat leaders from as many as 20 Indian states, Sharmila said, "Today I appeal to you to take up another important issue which is plaguing us today and that is domestic violence. You must put an end to domestic violence. You play an important role here. For all the women in your panchayat, you are a ray of hope.
"It is very important to give them the message that whenever they face violence you will stand by them. You have to tell them that tolerating violence is not a solution to their problems. You have to help them get justice," the actress said.

Sharmila felicitated two Panchayat leaders- Tapaswini Nayak, sarpanch of Udala block Mayurbhanj, Odisha and Priyanka Kumari, mukhia of Katkamdag block Hazaribag, Jharkhand, during the ceremony.

Lauding the work of the Panchayat leaders, Sharmila said these women are in this position today as they are hard working and full of self-confidence.
"They have done good job and silenced their critics with their dazzling work. They have done a lot - be it opening schools, installing hand pumps or fighting for girls education. Their hard work and good-leadership skills teamed with self confidence and intelligence are the reason behind their success," she said.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Dr Ash Narain Roy, Director ISS, Dr George Mathew, Chairman, ISS and other members of the institute.