When the parents of the girl failed to provide what was demanded by in laws, the husband was packed off to another city, and the girl had to deal with humiliation at the hands of the mother in law and sister in law. Finally she was sent back to her parents home. Intervening on behalf of a young woman who had to deal with demands for dowry, Bhan Sahu does not see them relenting. A visit to the police station revealed that a case for divorce had already been filed. Despite ill treatment meted out, the girl is even now ready to go to her husband’s home if they accept her, because she feels that if she goes back to her parent’s home, where she has a brother, she will face humiliation at the hands of his future wife. How is one to reconcile with such a mindset in our women, asks Bhan Sahu.

Come January, for two months rural Chhattisgarh has a tradition of Ramayan conventions. Usually they are lead by men. However Bhan Sahu is reporting from Gokhninchua village where she attended one such 2 day event. However she was pleasantly surprised by the fact that a woman lead the team of performers. Not only that, Kanta ji is a dalit woman from a very ordinary family, and works as a teacher. She adds that in her personal opinion, women need to do more than stand up in a religious gathering, be more involved in the politics of the region, for true empowerment, but still Kanta ji’s achievement is laudable. For more Bhan Ji can be reached at 08962646922

Bhan Sahu from Chhattisgarh says villagers from 9 villages in Hanjitola panchayat in Kawardha district decided to hold a public hearing- jansunwai, on 22/12/2011 through a local organisation Lok Shakti, to discuss the subject of Water and Hygiene. They informed the concerned Government officials. However no representatives turned up. After all the people would have questioned the officials had they been present. For more Bhan Ji can be reached at 08962646922

Bhan Sahu is talking to Jagdish Ji from Rewa in Madhya Pradesh who tells her that Govt had promised land to Dalits and Adivasis in year 2001-02 but they are yet to get possession of those lands after repeated follow up. Govt says they can give support for houses once people have land so they are not able to get that support too. Last month all the villagers have written post card to Chief Minister but there is no reply. For more Bhan ji can be reached at 08962646922

Bhan Sahu is talking to Narbada ji of Musarkutta village in Kanker district of Chhattisgarh who led an anti liquor movement with the help of others in her panchayat and have persuaded 90% people to not make or drink. She says even high school children had started drinking in her village and then they made a law in the village panchayat people making and drinking liquor will be fined. 6 committees have been made to keep an eye. For more Bhan Ji can be reached at 09406033089