Women's Winning Battle for Democracy i:Nutandi

'" I hate you the orthodox people. This time you can not stop us. I will defy your fatwa." - a vibrant echo came from a tough mid-aged ,confident guy. Her eyes blinked as good as of a tiger. She was none other than Lutfunnessa. I looked at Lutfunnessa's furious face and wanted her calm down. Sooner a hard heart pinching sound pulsed " Sir, Last time,I tried but failed. Now I am adamant. Now, I got many who will resist those cunning fellows". She was alone as a women-savior in a group meeting. One equals to thousands when it is purified . There was silence.

I asked "Lutfunnessa.. whats the reason? "
" nothing. they wanted us to support their meals. bearing children and house keeping duties. It's their perpetual culture. They want powers and that's why declare repressive Fatwas."

i pointed to the gatherings ," How do you feel for women's participation in democracy?"
" No,sir they can if they wish-"-said Mahammad-the village leader.
Again ,Lutfunnessa shouted in agitated tone" A candid lie sir, they would never permit."
I asked " Lutfenness would you vote this time"
" Sir. i will do.. they can not stop me at any cost."
I forgot the sultry heat , hot wave flowing in Nutandi. I got a Rakey Begam.

I toured the whole village. met differnt people . I understood it is a cult. It's a tradtion for denial of power and opportunities to weaker sex.
Repression of women ,dis-powerment of them draws other evils. Women are laggards in Nutandi interms of education.,health care and employment opprtunities.

On the first day of my visit I could not meet any women other than the fiery guy. However, one observation i got that fatwa is not related to religion or political issues. another point I observed that there are other muslim dominated hamlets surrounding Nutandi where the picture is different. Women cast vote with out any resistance from family.There is a need for more research on the issue.
A small taliban-territory is represented by Nutandi. Women are denied civic rights since Independence,i.e, for the last six decades.

Their story came into surface. Utpal Ghosh-the energetic executive of the block initiated conscientization among the women. Sima Roy is a supportive instrument. she formed some self-help groups.
On 4th May I was invited to speak before women groups. I shared with them. I got gohara Bibi of fifties who is adament. She called ajan to women." I will vote even I die"-was her slogan. she danced with cheer. She is spontaneous.
I saw a new spring coming up in Nutandi. a new wave will flow in this village.

The final day come on 7th May. Lutfunnessa came to the booth alone. she cast her vote. A new beginning welcome Nutandi. Then. Gohara Bibi ,,, A littleafter Gohara escorted her daughter in the booth. At the end thirty Women put their choice. All tasted a gay moments. Smiling faces of the Women ushered in a history in a remote village.
They won the battle.