The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Women scribes asked to take a back seat

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Aug 25, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Women scribes asked to take a back seat

Staff Reporter

They were also told not to direct questions at a press meet

CHENNAI: Women reporters were asked to be seated in the last row and not to direct questions at a press conference organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha with the support of BAPS Care International on Thursday.

The press conference was held to announce the dedication ceremony of the newly built 245 houses for the tsunami-affected residents at Pattipulam Kuppam and Mahabalipuram Kuppam in Kancheepuram district on Friday.

While male reporters were seated in the front row and interacted with sadhus of the organisation, women were told that they could put forth their questions through intermediaries and not to meet or talk to the sadhus.

Despite a request to make clarifications on the event over telephone, a volunteer of the organisation said that "swami Brahmaviharidas would not take calls from women reporters."

But, a male reporter was welcome to speak to him, he said.

He added that the sect respected women but would not interact with them.

The press release from the organisation said that Governor Surjit Singh Barnala was dedicating the houses with built area of 300 sq.ft and furnished with home needs. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of the organisation, would participate.

The Rs. 6-crore project was completed in 13 months.

The organisation, with its head office at Ahmedabad, also focussed on economical and emotional rehabilitation of the tsunami victims, the release added.

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