Dr. Nagalakshmi Chowdhary, Chairperson of the Karnataka State Women’s Commission (KSWC), has issued directives for organizing specialized women’s village assemblies, known as gram sabhas. These important gatherings will be held across all nomadic and semi-nomadic camps, as well as in various villages within the Sindhanur, Maski, and Manvi taluks. The primary objective is to bring together nomadic women, including those from semi-nomadic backgrounds and former Devadasis, providing them a crucial platform to voice their concerns. Following these discussions, comprehensive reports detailing their issues will be formally submitted to the Commission for further action.
During an engaging interaction with nomadic women of the Sindhol community and former Devadasis at the Town Hall on Sukkalpet Road in Sindhanur, Raichur district, Dr. Chowdhary drew attention to a significant disparity: many elderly women in the region are still receiving pensions calculated at outdated rates. She emphasized the urgency for officials to ensure that revised and appropriate benefits are promptly extended to these deserving individuals.
A notable moment occurred when several former Devadasi women presented heartfelt petitions, reiterating their persistent demand for adequate housing and residential plots. In a display of immediate responsiveness, Dr. Chowdhary invited Panduranga Itagi, the Sindhanur City Municipal Commissioner, to the stage for a direct, on-the-spot discussion regarding their appeals.
Mr. Itagi clarified the process, advising former Devadasi women who have not yet been allocated land to visit the municipal office and formally submit their applications. He assured them that all necessary steps would be taken in strict adherence to legal provisions to address their requests.
Furthermore, Dr. Chowdhary encouraged the women to meticulously prepare a detailed list of problems they encounter in their camps, such as lack of land, inadequate roads, or issues with pensions. She promised that all petitions submitted to the Commission would be thoroughly reviewed and then promptly forwarded to the respective government departments for diligent follow-up. However, she clarified that land disputes fall outside the Commission’s direct authority and should instead be pursued with the tahsildar and deputy commissioner.
The interactive session garnered enthusiastic participation from women residing in Sindhanur town and its surrounding areas, including communities from Hosalli, Shasalamarri, Yolragi Camp, Gwamarisi, and Jalahalli.
Earlier in the day, upon her arrival in Sindhanur, Dr. Chowdhary was honored with a vibrant traditional welcome orchestrated by the Sindhol community. The reception featured rhythmic dolu and halage drumming, colorful local rituals, and a lively procession that guided her to the event venue.
This impactful event was a testament to collaborative efforts, jointly organized by the Women’s Commission, the Women and Child Development Department, the taluk administration, taluk panchayat, the police department, Anganwadi centers of Sindhanur and Turvihal, and the Indira Gandhi Stree Shakti Sangha.
Prominent officials in attendance included Tahsildar Arun Kumar Desai, CDPOs Ashok and Linganagoudar, among others.
A Heartfelt Approach to Public Service
During her visit to Raichur on Wednesday, Dr. Nagalakshmi Chowdhary, Chairperson of the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, truly resonated with the community through her genuine and spontaneous empathy for distressed women and families.
After a college interaction, while en route to MCH Hospital, Dr. Chowdhary spontaneously halted her vehicle. Her attention had been drawn to an elderly woman sitting by the roadside on Shaktinagar road. Upon inquiry, the woman tearfully revealed she was suffering from a debilitating toothache and rapidly failing eyesight.
With immediate and personal concern, Dr. Chowdhary, herself a doctor, reassured the woman, stating, “I am also a doctor, I understand your pain.” She then personally examined the woman’s eyes and teeth, promising, “I will ensure you get admitted to the hospital for proper care.”
Later, at the Sakhi One Stop Centre, Dr. Chowdhary encountered Sangeeta, a distressed woman who tearfully recounted the harassment she was enduring from her husband. Dr. Chowdhary offered immediate solace, comforted her, and meticulously recorded her contact information to facilitate necessary follow-up action.
Continuing her compassionate outreach, she spent time at RIMS Hospital, where she sat with the relatives of patients, engaging them in warm and personal conversation. In a touching gesture that underscored her down-to-earth nature, she even accepted a hand-fed meal from one family, humorously remarking that she hadn’t eaten since early morning.
These deeply empathetic actions and her commitment to individual welfare garnered widespread admiration from regional women leaders, who lauded Dr. Chowdhary as an inspiring role model for women in public service.