“The best and the most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or touched, they have to be felt.”
I.B. Satheesh, MLA in collaboration with his team and Vedika Centre for women and gender development in Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram has laid the foundation to help several women across Kerala to feel the beauty of life through his Project Oppam. A one day Art gallery on the project ‘Oppam’ was organized in the Government Law College , Thiruvananthapuram in the presence of esteemed dignitaries including the MLA himself. Project Oppam specifically envisages to convert Kattakkada into a women-friendly constituency, to eliminate gender-based discrimination and ensure justice to women. The goal of Oppam is rendering the active participation of Women in various fields, from 6 panchayats of the constituency and aid them to foster their socio economic independence, and ensure the awareness of their rights, thereby building gender equality.
The Principal (I/C) Meena Kumary Ma’am provided an insight regarding the wider ambit of Oppam and its role in rescuing women from grave circumstances such as physical and mental abuse. I.B. Satheesh, MLA further elaborated his vision for a better Kerala. He enlightened the gathering with his firm ideologies of transforming the current students of this generation to better teachers of the society. He raised awareness on the ever increasing number of reproductive health issues in women in Kerala. The enthusiasm of this vibrant MLA can be depicted from the instance that he absolutely practice what he preach. Yes, he went ahead and build women friendly toilet blocs in Kerala equipped with napkin vending machines, insinuators in all high schools in Kattakada (his constituent assembly) which is a first of its kind in Kerala. He is hands on in ensuring that women are not treated a a mere commodity and wishes to alter the mindset of the society. As a matter of fact, he is a true leader and the same has been reflected in his actions.
The represenatives from the students, Swathi and Bheema unravelled the plethora of initiatives introduced by project Oppam. Art Gallery, Orientation classes for high school going students in Kattakada, Constitution and Women Seminar, establishing a suggestion box , Collaboration with AYUSH with the goal of rejuvenating the health sector, Oppam Janasabha, personality development clinics, helpline numbers which are operative 24*7 are few out the many highlights of Oppam. Their future plans include Amma veedu , which seeks to function as a safe gathering place for women, Action team network,etc .Also Vedika in collaboration with Oppam has their eyes set on promoting Legal awareness classes on Protection of Women from Sexual Harrasment Act, Domestic Violence Act, POCSO Act ,Dowry Prohibition Act, Women and IPC, Constitutional Rights Of Women.
Dr. Nithya a homeo doctor and councilor currently working in Ramacham Health Centre, Maranaloor described her vivid vision on how Law and Medicine can work together parallelly to promulgate a better tomorrow. She further elaborated her stance on extending support for women namely, Emotional, physical, social, legal, economic, environmental and the crucial role Oppam plays to ascertain that these support are being met. Dr. Arun Surendran, the Principal of Trinity Engineering College weighed in his views on expanding Oppam and its future endeavors.
The faculty at Government Law College ,Thiruvananthapuram such as Bindu G.K., Director Of Vedika set the seal on ensuring that the program was interactive which contributed to its success. The Legal Aid Clinic of the College marked its presence and the vote of Thanks was provided by Deepthi Soman , the Cordinator of the Legal Aid Clinic. The event was nothing less than a light amidst the darkness of life. “A journey of thousand miles starts with a single step” and indeed this journey begins right here.
