Vrindavan: In a poignant display of devotion and dignity, a group of widows from Vrindavan will once again travel to New Delhi this Raksha Bandhan to present Prime Minister Narendra Modi with 1001 handcrafted Rakhis and traditional sweets.
The widows, many of whom reside in Maa Sharda Ashram and other shelters supported by Sulabh International, have been preparing for weeks to craft the vibrant Rakhis. Each Rakhi features images of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Prime Minister Modi, symbolizing spiritual reverence and personal affection. This heartfelt tradition has continued for several years, with the women tying Rakhis on the Prime Minister as part of Sulabh’s Widows Welfare Programme.
“This year, four of our mothers will visit Delhi to personally gift the Rakhis and sweets to the Hon’ble Prime Minister,” said Kumar Dilip, President of Sulabh International. “This initiative reflects a journey of love, dignity, and inclusion — where our widowed mothers celebrate Raksha Bandhan with a renewed sense of belonging.”
In the weeks leading up to Raksha Bandhan, a special Rakhi-making workshop was held at Maa Sharda Ashram, where around a dozen widows participated with enthusiasm. On Thursday, hundreds of widows gathered at the historic Gopinath Temple in Vrindavan for final blessings and preparations. The event was also attended by Kumar Dilip and Mrs. Nitya Pathak, highlighting Sulabh’s continued commitment to the empowerment and inclusion of widows.
This tradition was initiated by the late Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, the visionary founder of Sulabh International, who dedicated his life to fighting social exclusion. His efforts ensured that widows, once marginalized from mainstream religious and social events, could take part in celebrations such as Holi, Diwali, and Raksha Bandhan with dignity.
Among those selected to travel to Delhi is 70-year-old Chabi Sharma, who expressed excitement at the opportunity. “It’s an honour to tie Rakhi on Modi Bhaiya’s wrist,” she said.
Meanwhile, 81-year-old Manu Ghosh, who has participated in previous years but won't travel this time, shared her emotions while making Rakhis at the ashram. “Even though I won’t go this year, I feel so happy creating Rakhis for Modi Ji. Each one is filled with our love and blessings,” she said with a smile.
Sulabh International’s Widows Welfare Programme has helped transform the lives of hundreds of widows in Vrindavan by offering not just healthcare and sustenance but also emotional support and cultural reintegration. What began as a movement to restore dignity has now become a celebration of life, inclusion, and enduring bonds.
