In a program organized by Niran Nepal in Janakpur today, speakers highlighted the crucial role that religious leaders must play in eliminating social and cultural malpractices in the districts of Madhesh Province. They emphasized the need for a more organized approach to working through religious leaders, given the positive impact observed in various districts.
Dipnarayan Mandal, Chairperson of Ekdara Bela Rural Municipality, shared that after involving religious leaders in Mahottari, Sarlahi, and Rautahat districts, the community witnessed significant positive changes. He noted that these efforts have effectively influenced societal behavior.
During the event, Maulana Anisur Rahman from Rautahat, who has been actively working against child marriage and dowry practices, shared his experiences. He highlighted that his efforts have led to a noticeable reduction in child marriages and promoted dowry-free marriages, particularly within the Muslim community.
Similarly, Pandit Shobhakant, a Hindu religious leader from Mahottari, asserted that initiatives to prevent child marriage, dowry, and other forms of violence against women have positively impacted society. He emphasized that child marriage is not endorsed by any religious texts and suggested that promoting this knowledge could further strengthen the campaign.
Madhesh Province’s Minister of Education and Culture, Rani Sharma Tiwari, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the significant role of religious leaders in eliminating social and cultural malpractices. She stated that such programs are effective in removing societal malpractices and superstitions, and the government is willing to collaborate as needed.
The speakers also stressed that the government must implement effective programs to address issues like child marriage, which persists in Madhesh Province due to poverty, illiteracy, and backwardness.
