The Hindu, Gurgaon
December 6, 1987

Padayatra to Deorala

NEW DELHI: A group of sadhus and Arya Samaj activists today set out on a padayatra to Deorala in Rajasthan, scene of the Roop Kanwar Sati to mobilise public opinion against the practice.

Before undertaking the 18-day padayatra, the participants were blessed by Swami Anand Bodh, President of Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabha. He also led the march on its first leg, from the Arya Samaj office in Chandni Chowk to Gurukul Gautam Nagar in South Delhi. A Yagna and havan marked the occasion. Lectures were delivered highlighting the continued exploitation of the women in the name of religion, tradition and social customs. The speakers also recalled the role played by the Samaj leaders, particularly its founder, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, in arousing public opinion against the social customs which had led to the exploitation and oppression of the women in the society.

A number of women and children joined the Sadhus in the padayatra in the city. From tomorrow the padayatra will be led by Swami Agnivesh. It is expected to reach the Deorala town on December 23 and will culminate in a convention on 'Women's rights'.