(ANS – Tiruchy) – To mark International Women’s Day and the launch of a new movement called “Honour My Rights”, DB Media, together with Aaradhana Colours of Dance, presented a workshop on the subject of honour killings in India. The one day workshop was conducted in Don Bosco Manikandam, Tiruchy, on 7 March 2015.

Guest speakers included eminent writers, activists, film makers and feminist thinkers such as Subhatara, Prof. Jeyashanthi, Parimala, Prema Revathi, Vardhini and Guna. Also in attendance were students from some of the reputed colleges in Tiruchy and from international Academies.

To launch the movement and begin the day’s programme all those in attendance jointly made an oath promising to work together to fight against gender inequality and bring an end to honour killings in India. As a gesture of solidarity each attendee made a hand print and placed their signature on a large panel with the motto “Honour My Rights”.

Through dialogical exchange the guest speakers along with other participants of the workshop tried to enquire into inhuman murders committed by parents and members of certain communities in Indian society. The reflections revealed that honour killings have their roots in patriarchal anarchism and casteism practiced in many places in India. The fight therefore is not against just one or two cases, though it is important, but against the patriarchal and casteistic cultural milieu.

Besides the talks and panel discussions, participants had an opportunity to personally interact with guest speakers. The event was a meaningful celebration of women’s day, resulting in pragmatic action.

Published 12/03/2015