Agra, March 8 (IANS) The Taj Mahal on Sunday had special visitors -- widows from Vrindavan and Varanasi.
As the women, dressed in white sarees, walked on the red sandstone pathways in twos and threes, foreign tourists stopped and got themselves photographed with them.
The visit on the International Women's Day was sponsored by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The widows, who live in shelter homes run by Sulabh International, visited Agra Fort as well and were accorded a reception.
"I am humbled to have welcomed these women neglected by society," said N.K. Pathak, ASI chief in Agra.
"They were indeed our special guests today on the International Women's Day. Surely this is a much better way to celebrate the occasion than holding unproductive lectures in five-star hotels," he said.
Chitra Lekha from Varanasi told IANS that it was her dream to see the Taj Mahal but she never got the opportunity.
Most widows who came for the visit were above 60 years, even 70.
"We are now well looked after by Sulabh Baba (Bindeshwari Pathak)... Earlier we got only Rs.3 a day for chanting bhajans at various ashrams. But now we get Rs.2,000 a month and also medical facilities arranged by the organisation," said Kamla Dasi.
Fear of Omicron: more than 20 million tests to save Beijing, the outcry in Shanghai despite lockdown
After the uncontrollable corona wave in Shanghai, China has thrown all its resources to prevent i
Prime Minister Narendra Modi went out to hold five rallies across the country on Tuesday. While g
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that today technology has become an important part of life, lik
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla while advising the MPs on Thursday said in the House not to make alleg
Modi offers prayers at Golden Temple
Amritsar, March 23 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday offered prayers at the holiest
Chandy seeks help for nurses stranded in Libya
New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram, March 3 (IANS) Kerala Chief
No proposal for law to allow animal sacrifice: Himachal CM
Shimla, March 25 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Wednesday informed t
The case of violence during the mosque survey in Sambhal, UP is gaining momentum. The delegation
Mika Singh asked for Rs 50 crore for 'Swayamvar'? Rakhi Sawant will also be a part of the show!
There is a constant buzz about singer Mika Singh's swayamvar. It is reported that the show of Mik
Militants attack armoured regiment camp in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu, March 21 (IANS) Militants on Saturday launched an attack on an army camp in Samba distric
