Laali Dhakad

Laali Dhakad continued to live with her in-laws for seven years even after the death of her husband. Since she had two young girls, she decided not to go into nata and stayed at her in-laws’ house. She began working at an Aanganwadi centre. Laali’s in-laws did not want her to earn and live an independent life. They believed she would enter into illicit relations with other men and bring shame and dishonour to the family. They therefore began defaming her. On the occasion of Laali’s maternal grandmother’s death, they began spreading rumours that Laali had given birth to an illegitimate child and thrown the child into the village pond. They also instigated a Brahmin of her village to file a complaint in this regard at the local police station so that they could disallow her from entering their home on her return from the condolence. For a few days, she took shelter at a Thakur’s home and then returned to her father’s house. However, she was not welcome there either. A medical examination was required as part of the case registered against her. The results clearly indicated that no delivery had taken place. The family and the panchayat members however, refused to believe the medical report and she was asked to take a dip at Pushkar Lake in Ajmer distinct and feed grain to the birds as punishment for a crime she did not commit. Furthermore, she had to be escorted by a male member to ensure she bathed at Pushkar to wash off her ‘evil deeds’. After this, her family accepted her but the defaming and insulting continued. The media was also given false news regarding Laali bearing an illegitimate child. So, without committing this act, she lived in anguish and humiliation for a long time.
In one of the Aaganwadi meetings, a doctor told Laali about MJAS and advised her to seek their help. Laali went with Bardi Bai of MJAS to meet the Bhilwara S.P. and asked him to take action against her in-laws. MJAS members wrote a letter to the Directorate of Women and Child Development (DWCD) informing them of Laali’s plight. Laali also met the Director of DWCD who directed immediate action. In their letter, MJAS workers suggested that a general meeting be held at Laali in-laws’ village Charan between Anganwadi workers, MJAS workers and members of the village community. On Laali’s request, she was given a job as an Anganwadi worker (AWW) in her natal village. Action was also taken to retrieve Laali’s belongings from her in-laws. Today, Laali is a strong supporter of the MJAS network, a member of the Ekal Nari Shakti Sangathan, an AWW and member of a Self Help Group. She interacts with village men and women with great confidence. In her words, “After getting in touch with MJAS, I have gained the strength to live. Earlier, I lived in fear, dejection and depression. I often thought of ending my life…”