Radio Sarang Mangalore organised an awareness programme on domestic violence for St Aloysius College students here on November 4. The programme was part of the project on ‘Say no to violence’ sponsored by USAID and Momentum in coordination with SMART, Delhi.  

Mallika Jyothigudde, an artist, performed the mono act ‘Durga’ on domestic violence. Uday Kumar Jyotigudde sang awareness songs.

In his opening remarks, Director of Radio Sarang, Dr (Fr) Melwyn Pinto SJ said that it was important that students are aware of what domestic violence is and thus spread awareness to make sure that it does not take place. “India is a country where we have one of the highest violence against women. Ironically, it is a country which considers woman a goddess. And yet, she is violated upon. It is not just the uneducated or those from villages that commit violence against women; even the most educated too are equally culpable,” he noted.

A noted counsellor Ms Manjula from Samvada Counselling Centre who was present at the event said that domestic violence happens at various levels. “Recently a married woman came to me and said that though she was earning, her ATM card was with her husband. He would not allow her to spend any money without his consent. This is financial violence on women. Similarly, women also suffer emotional and psychological violence, besides the usual physical violence,” she said.

Abhishek Shetty from Radio Sarang compered the programme. Bindiya Kulal proposed vote of thanks. Ms Harini Shetty, a social worker, was present.