Widows living in ashrams of Vrindavan have utilised the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to promote self-reliance.
They have produced a wide range of attractive and affordable cotton masks. Sri Krishna obviously features prominently in all the designer masks.
Around 1,000 special Krishna themed silk and cotton masks were prepared on the occasion of International Widows Day.
These masks will be sold by using online platforms. Women who are confined to their ashrams expressed their interest to design masks and preferred to choose images that depict Sri Krishna in different forms and styles.
An official of the Sulabh International said, “we extended support by providing training and arranged cloths with special designs like peacock feathers, flutes and other designs to attract people who love themes relating to Sri Krishna.
During the lockdown, widows living in ashrams learned mask-making. They have so far prepared more than 5,000 cotton masks which have been distributed among police, government employees, sanitation people, etc.
Vinita Verma, Vice President of Sulabh International says, “These old mothers have a special connection with Vrindavan so they desired to pay respect to Krishna by designing such themes and happily prepared at least 200-300 masks in a day.”
"We are approaching organisations like Khadi outlets and some known brands to ensure their sale. With this, these mothers will directly be benefited,” she added.
Master chef Vikas Khanna arranged distribution of a large number of food items and essential medical supplements and herbal drinks for widows in Vrindavan on the occasion of the International Widows Day.
Under his special food campaign, meals and other essential items were distributed to seven ashrams in Vrindavan, "enough to take care of the widows for a few months.”
Vikas Khanna joined the Vrindavan widows live from New York. He said the widows were special people in his life while appreciating the efforts of Sulabh Founder Bindeshwar Pathak for taking initiatives for the welfare of widows living in Various ashrams in Vrindavan.
Sulabh takes care of widows living in various ashrams. On a routine basis, Sulabh provides them, medical facilities and vocational training besides meeting their day-to-day needs so that they do not feel ignored during the twilight years of their lives.
Sulabh has been playing a leading role in adding mirth to the lives of the widows. So, it's the need of the hour to keep them involved in some meaningful contribution at this juncture.
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