Learning hope. On 15th August that year, Binodini was asked to sing bhajans at the Independence Day function of the town. The chief guest at the function was a renowned social worker, Mr Somnath Pandit. He had an internationally-reputed NGO that supported marginalized communities, especially women. During his speech, Mr Pandit promised to help improve the… Continue reading Aabir – Learning hope
Aabir – Finale: The story continues…
Finale: The story continues… Some years have passed. Gokul Ashram has grown. It now occupies a new building. As Binodini enters the ashram compound in an auto rickshaw, the watchman salutes her. She has streaks of silver in her hair now. She is also wearing glasses. Walking through the corridor, she is the epitome of… Continue reading Aabir – Finale: The story continues…
March 2015, again and beyond
March 2015, again and beyond. Eventually, the determination of the widows of Vrindavan prevailed. Rigid codes of conduct cracked under public pressure. It is Holi in March 2015, Binodini and the widows of Gokul ashram are playing Holi in public at the Gopinath Temple. Jaya and Mita accost Binodini, who looks lost in reminiscence. Wiping… Continue reading March 2015, again and beyond
Against All Odds
Against all odds. Binodini’s prayers were answered. A few weeks later, a woman named Durga came to meet Binodini all the way from Mathura. She ran an organization that trained women in martial arts. She urged Binodini to educate the members of her organization and train them in practical work skills. In return, the women… Continue reading Against All Odds
Aabir – Red colour, redder blood
Red colour, redder blood. Religious leaders & temple priests were enraged by Binodini’s insolence in supporting Meera and Madhav’s wedding. As a result, Binodini was declared an outcast. Under the pressure of religious organizations, most people withheld donations from her when she sang in the morning. The widows of the Gokul ashram were harassed in… Continue reading Aabir – Red colour, redder blood
Aabir – What is Love?
What is love? Despite threats and warnings, Binodini was determined to fight. It was an uphill battle against agelong traditions, and she was just an insignificant individual. Nevertheless, she saw a ray of hope in Somnath Pandit. Gradually, an inexplicable bond grew between Binodini and Mr Pandit. She admired and respected his dedication. He adored… Continue reading Aabir – What is Love?
Aabir -Little playing much fighting
Little playing, much fighting. Months flew by in setting up the training centre, and before they knew it, Holi arrived in Vrindavan with the vim and vigour of spring. Binodini had just finished her puja of Lord Krishna at the Gokul ashram, when she heard a heated argument outside. As she stepped out of the… Continue reading Aabir -Little playing much fighting
Aabir – Fresh beginnings
Fresh beginnings. As Binodini began her life in Vrindavan, she realized that life was not easy for the widows there. The city housed more than a lakh widows in its multiple ashrams, where living conditions were not ideal. Though the ashrams were run by various charitable trusts, the tenants had to pay rent, even if… Continue reading Aabir – Fresh beginnings
Aabir – A bride and a widow
A bride and a widow. Binodini’s life changed after marriage. She was now a daughter-in-law. She could no longer be the Binu that she had been in her natal home. Binodini had to constantly be conscious of her conduct. A year passed in getting accustomed to the norms of her new home, and soon the… Continue reading Aabir – A bride and a widow
Aabir – A girl and her grandmother
A girl and her grandmother. A traditional villa in rural Bengal flashes across Binodini’s memory. It is a large, expansive double-storey mansion with high ceilings and marble floors. Tall circular pillars support the structure. Little Binu of 10 years is running across the balcony. It is that time of the day when her grandmother tells… Continue reading Aabir – A girl and her grandmother
