Sulabh takes care of medical needs of Vrindavan widows

Sulabh International, which the Supreme Court chose to work for the betterment of the widows in Vrindavan, handed over the ambulances, medical equipment and medicines, refrigerators and television sets to them at a function here.

A book titled "Widows of Vrindavan- A New Life" by Maitrayi Pushpa chronicling the lives of Vrindavan widows and the hardships endured by them was also released at the function.

Handing over the ambulances and other equipment, Sulabh founder Bindeshwar Pathak said it is a "new chapter in the life of widows of Vrindavan" as around 250 widows were brought to the capital today to instill confidence, pride and dignity back in their lives.

Following the Supreme Court directive to National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to engage Sulabh International to work among the widows, he said, the NGO has so far reached out to 651 women and plans to cover all 1,780 in the coming few months.

"We have started giving Rs 1,000 per month to each widow and with these five ambulances their emergency needs would be taken care of," said Pathak.

Noting that medical and other facilities are just a start, he said the primary objective was to make these women self sufficient.

"Within a year we are planning to start vocational schools to impart training and to make them independent," Pathak said.

The intervention of Central and state government is urgently required to ensure the well being and support of the measures undertaken by Sulabh, he added.