India Matters: The Women of Vrindavan

If the naked sadhus have become the exotic image of India, the widows are the tragic theme. At least 85 per cent of the widows in Vrindavan come from Bengal - a region historically notorious for its harsh treatment of widows. Exact statistics are hard to come by, but studies suggest that 8-10 per cent of the widows have no shelter and they spend their days on the narrow lanes and sleep outside temple complexes. And, today, what can bring them their greatest dignity would be a proper pension and other entitlements given on time.