Mysuru Hosts Powerful Yoga Protest Against Human Trafficking and Sexual Abuse
In a powerful display of solidarity and resistance, hundreds of women and girls gathered in Mysuru on Saturday to participate in a unique yoga programme. The event, held under the theme ‘Odanadi Yoga Stop Trafficking’, served as a peaceful protest against the grave issues of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and the devastating impacts of war.
Organized by Odanadi Seva Samsthe for Social Change
The 18th International Yoga Programme, titled ‘Yoga Stop Trafficking’, was meticulously organized by Odanadi Seva Samsthe. The gathering took place in front of the historic Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple, located at the north gate of the iconic Mysuru Palace. This symbolic location added depth to the event’s message of tradition meeting modern activism.
Launch by Karnataka State Commission for Women Chairperson
The awareness campaign was officially launched by Nagalakshmi Chaudhary, the chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Women. She inaugurated the event by performing yoga alongside participants, setting a tone of unity and purpose. In her address, Chaudhary emphasized that combating the widespread exploitation and trafficking of women is a shared responsibility between society and individuals.
She praised Odanadi Seva Samsthe for its longstanding dedication to this cause over many years. Reflecting on history, Chaudhary noted that during eras when women were not viewed as equals, the erstwhile Maharajas of Mysuru granted women special status, equality, education, respect, and leadership opportunities. She described these achievements as hard-won through great struggle, stating, "This is our good fortune."
However, she stressed that more progress is urgently needed, and the commission remains steadfastly committed to strengthening women's rights and equality in contemporary society.
Decades of Advocacy Through Yoga and Collective Effort
KV Stanley, director of Odanadi Seva Samsthe, highlighted the organization’s three-decade-long fight against human trafficking, sexual violence, and various social issues through collective effort. For the past 18 years, under the ‘Yoga Stop Trafficking’ initiative, yoga has been strategically used as a tool for peaceful resistance and protest.
Stanley explained that yoga serves as a powerful medium to convey a message to society and advocate for equality and justice. He added that despite advancements, incidents of sexual abuse persist today, and Odanadi believes that instilling strong moral and ethical values is essential to addressing such deep-rooted issues effectively.
Widespread Participation from Diverse Groups
The yoga event witnessed enthusiastic participation from hundreds of individuals, including:
- Students from various educational institutions
- Yoga practitioners and instructors
- Students from yoga schools
- NSS (National Service Scheme) volunteers
- Members of the general public
This diverse turnout underscored the broad-based support for the cause and the universal appeal of yoga as a means of peaceful protest. The event not only promoted physical and mental well-being but also reinforced a collective stand against exploitation and violence, making it a significant milestone in Mysuru’s social activism landscape.
