A MIXED BAG OF EMOTIONS

The 7th edition of HT Woman Awards 2017 proved to be an afternoon of emotions that included shock, surprise, tears and concern. The strong words of Hindustan Times senior resident editor Sunita Aron on the issue of child sexual abuse, “Your child, my child, child is a child. Today, on Mother’s Day, if this issue (child sexual abuse) has touched you a bit somewhere, go back to your homes and think about it,” indeed made the spectators sit up and think.

Then there were heart wrenching tales of the victims, which made many cry. As Kriti Prakash said, “Whatever my uncle did to me had a bearing on my education. It is the support of my husband that I’m standing here, narrating my experience,” many eyes went moist with tears.

The tale of a boy victim, narrated by his friend, deepened the sorrow. Spectators wept when Shipra (name changed) burst into tears saying, “My father is the reason for my sister’s present state. She is mentally unwell because of what he did to her”. A silence ensued as many sobbed even as some stood shocked at the pain which the young girl had undergone.

As they wiped their tears, Malvika Hariom sang her beautiful yet ‘aptly poignant’ song. Her verse, ‘Chupiyon ka waqt gaya, abb utayenge kadam hum’ motivated the victims. Prayaas kids got the auditorium clapping to the beats of their three beautiful songs. The melody got the chief guests humming, while the audience with half closed eyes relished the harmony of the band.

Even eminent Bhojpuri singer and BJP Delhi president Manoj Tiwari couldn’t stop himself and sang, ‘Badlenge jab hum, jag badlega tab’, which received rounds of applause. The health minister, who received suggestions on the issue, told the spectators of action soon. The Interactive Session saw many audience members bringing up eager questions, which were answered by the guests at the dais. The ambience was energized for the concluding ceremony of the day. Loud applause greeted them as the awardees collected their prizes.

Many applauded for their loved ones, some grew very emotional in tears while others clapped in pride. Manu Ghosh, a Vrindawan widow, received a standing ovation for winning ‘HT Woman Lifetime Achievement Award’.

It was broad smiles and glittering eyes everywhere. HT Woman Award 2017, as the audience seconded, was a great success, especially with its social message. The afternoon on Mother’s Day brought a bunch of feelings for the audience. From sitting in tears after hearing the shocking tales of the victims to clapping in enthusiasm for the awardees, the audience surely went home with memories.

Silence is louder than words

Chief guests Siddharth Nath Singh and Manoj Tiwari