August 19th 2023.
Ahead of the death anniversary of renowned rationalist Dr Narendra Dabholkar, the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti organized a photo exhibition in Pune's Balgandharva Rang Mandir. The exhibition celebrated the efforts of ANIS member Nandini Jadhav, who has made a significant impact in liberating women from the practice of growing dreadlocks or 'jata'.
The exhibition featured news coverage and actual photos from various instances. It highlighted Jadhav's work in freeing individuals from the superstitious practice at least 276 times. In doing so, she not only helps them to shed the burden of their matted hair but also addresses health hazards and the stigma attached to it.
Jadhav is a professional beautician and an active ANIS member who decided to use her skills to combat superstitions related to matted hair. Speaking about the same, Jadhav said that in some communities, a girl or young woman with 'jata' is often forced to become a 'jogti' or 'devadasi' by self-proclaimed gurus. She further added that poor physical hygiene and absence of proper hair care often leads to matted hair and is linked to the superstitious belief that such matted hair is a blessing and cutting them could invite the wrath of goddesses.
The exhibition concluded on Thursday and was widely appreciated by the public. In another incident, a man in the same city was charged for sending a derogatory email comparing a woman to a pornstar to 140 residents of their society.
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