Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, March 22:

Born Again’ (Mrityu Bata Janmine Haru), a documentary based on single women of Nepal, was screened at the Birendra International Convention Centre, New Baneshwor today. Chief guest in the event was the state minister for ministry of women children and social welfare Renu Kumari Yadav.

‘Born Again’ is about single women of Nepal who undergo crucial changes in their life after their husbands expire. The changes, however, are not good. She is barred from wearing what she wants, eating what she likes and even where she wants to go. In a way, she becomes handicapped. As a result, she begins to loose her confidence and is forced to lead a very unproductive life. All this in the name of religion but those learned in the scriptures say that Hinduism does not prescribe such inhumane behaviour towards widows.

The documentary contained testimonies by single women who have suffered under the ‘varnashram’ tradition of Hinduism. Their pathos is exposed and their feelings laid bare as it goes about analysing the prevailing social situation.

Also featured are experts who dwell on what Hinduism has to say on the subject. The remarkable fact in the documentary is that the past one decade has seen a sea change in the way single women have begun breaking out of the traditional role expected of them.

Yadav said, “This is an excellent documentary and I am sure it will encourage single women.” Anuradha Koirala agreed adding, “Whatever the single women have said in the documentary should be disseminated.” Lily Thapa, chairperson, Women for Human Rights, Single Women Group, shared that the main reason behind the making of the documentary was to lend voice to single women.

Women for Human Rights, Single Women Group in association with SNV/Nepal produced it. Directed by Kedar Sharma, edited by Richa Acharya and on camera Jyoti Keshar Simha, the documentary is worth watching.