The women of Jharkhand have a long history of heroism, be it the Santhal rebellion of 1857-58 where they participated in the raids on enemies or the Munda Uprising in the 19th century. Now taking forward this legacy of courage and valour are the women of Ranchi.
While the newly-constituted Mahila Mahaveer Mandal will create a record of sorts by being the first female participants in the Ram Navami procession since the custom started 85-odd years ago; Ranchi’s policewomen too will set a new standard in dutifulness by making up 20 percent of the security forces deployed for the occasion-a major jump from the 5 percent deployment in previous years.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Saket Kumar Singh, said”We had deputed some lady constables for night duty earlier. But some people had misgivings about them working at night. However, my reasoning was: who better to attend to women’s problems at such late hoursIJ The increase in the number of women constables for Ram Navami duty is an extension of this.” Specially-trained female-cops from JAP are also part of the force. As for the women cops’ reaction to this deployment and the occasional night duty, Singh said that most had no problems.
“They were quite OK with it, and said that ‘we can easily catch-up on our sleep in the day, after sending our children to school and report for duty in the evening’.”
Meanwhile, in the winding lanes of Ranchi, a group of women are gearing up to cross their thresholds and match steps with their men folk during the procession. Organised under the Mahila Mahaveer Mandal and headed by Abha Sinha (the State women’s Congress president), the group comprises housewives, social workers and some working professionals. Revealing how the idea germinated, Sinha credits the SSP for giving this idea during the closing ceremony of last year’s festivities. “We have always played assisting roles- doing the puja, decorating, preparing for the ceremonies, etc.-so why not processions.
When the SSP gave this idea, we took it as a chance to make our presence felt in a bigger way,” says Sinha.
“During the Shanti Samiti meetings before any major festival, I always noticed that women were hardly represented. We felt that without equal participation and presence of women on such occasions, crimes against women will continue. So I mooted this idea of women also taking part in the processions,” says Singh, “If tribal ladies safely participate in Sarhul processions, why can’t Jharkhand’s women take part hereIJ It is just a matter of equality,” he added. So far the Mandal has 250 members and aims to have 5000 members by next year. Swords, sticks and orange-red flags in hand, they have already registered their advent in three Mangalwari processions, and will be marching from Mahavir Chowk to Firayalal Chowk and beyond on Friday. “It is our statement for equality and strength of women in all spheres. It is also a warning to those who commit atrocities against women that we are not powerless,” says Sinha.
The idea has appealed to women across the city and Sinha admits to receiving many queries for membership and also complains that, “You quietly started it and didn’t let us know!” Even their male counterparts in the Ranchi Mahaveer Mandal (RMM) are enthused, and no dissenting voices have been heard. “Mothers, daughters, and sisters complete any family. With the ladies joining in, our family has also been completed,” said Sagar Verma, general secretary of RMM. “Presence of women also prompts restraint and respectful behaviour from everyone, and we have asked all Akharaas and our volunteers to ensure self-discipline during the festival,” he added.
And while the police have deployed extra woman-power and RMM has deputed volunteers for their safety, the women themselves shrug off all such concerns. Says Sinha, “We may be holding swords and sticks for display during the procession, but we’ll not hesitate in giving trouble-makers a taste if needed!”