Sonagachi - the largest red-light area in South - Asia, commands an historical antecedent. Once known to entertain the noble Bhadralok, the ruminant buildings of Neel Kamal and Lal Kamal, today stand tall in the squalor of decay, waste and poverty, in line with the hundreds of shack like structures. Today, the word Sonagachi evokes various streams of emotion- contempt, embarrassment and even anger, but its existence is undeniable, as also the flesh trade that occurs freely in its streets. Women, like commodities are priced tagged here- their ethnicity, skin, eyes, figure and age important determinants of the price they fetch, in this modern day market. Every year hundreds of women, find their way to Sonagachi, trafficked from different parts of the country and outside. Violated, betrayed and abused by their own, they struggle to survive and live in this quagmire of abuse.
Yet the winds of change has not left the lives of these women untouched. Translated in Bengali to mean Unstoppable, Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Samiti is a forum of 65,000 sex workers that unites all those sold into sex slave trade and denied rights to live. This union in Sonagachi monitors minor girls coming into the areas as well as protects the women in the area from police brutalities. One of the gravest concerns in India today is the rising number of HIV/AIDS cases, and the Sonagachi Project, run by Durbar since 1999, fulfills its role of an STD/HIV Intervention Programme for this at-risk population. The union covers a population of over 20,000 sex workers, migrant labourers and street-based sex workers through 49 sex work sites in West Bengal.
DMSC has given to the women of Sonagachi, what they are most denied - an identity. The body -the priced and priceless have come together to construct a rising.
1 comment:
Seasons Greetings Priyanka!
Sonagachi! This name is an insult to the so called “Bhadrolok’s” of the world. Pathetic but true, it insults but compels to feel one’s action for their welfare! What it touches more is your compassion to convey their story to the same world.
I want to know more about an initiative where I can be useful. Since last six years, I have been actively involved in supporting the livelihood of few elderly people in Pondicherry Ashram (who were deserted by their own children). Apart from this, I am satisfied to realize that two kids from Koraput could at least study up to their PhD level if they wish. I have been saving for them from quite a few years now through CRY…At times; their parents were selling them for merely two hundred bucks!
I know it’s too little to start an initiative nevertheless, I want to actively participate & it would be great to hear from you.
You know, testimonials testify one's emotions to appreciate others. It originates when I find myself within someone! There again I filter and purify him from the drawbacks that I do have within me! If the person still glitters with a shining vision, it makes me a scapegoat! Why? Drafting my expression as a testimony! In the pursuit of my own happiness Priyanka, you are one such stranger, whose compassionate introspections are evident enough to accept you as a companion! Nevertheless, before these words & sentences occupy much of your outlook, let me pray My Lord blessing u in Thy Devine Grace!
Let our pursuit of happiness become The Pursuit of Excellence!
Thank You
Ajit
Connecticut, USA
ajitmishra@ajitmishra.com
www.ajitmishra.com
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