Mathura: In a heartwarming defiance of age-old customs, hundreds of widowed mothers, finding solace in Vrindavan’s ashrams after losing their husbands, gathered with radiant smiles at the historic Gopinath Temple on Wednesday evening. Their hearts, once heavy with societal exclusion, danced in the glow of Diwali celebrations crafted just for them, a poignant embrace of joy, love, and belonging.

Organised by Sulabh International, this touching event aimed to weave these resilient women into the vibrant tapestry of society. For generations, these mothers, mostly from West Bengal and living in Vrindavan for decades, were deemed ‘inauspicious’, their presence shunned at festivals and moments of merriment. But Sulabh’s outstretched hand has rewritten their story, as shared by Nitya Pathak, the organisation’s Executive Convenor, her voice brimming with pride and purpose.

In recent years, a gentle breeze of change has swept through Vrindavan’s sacred lanes. The celebration at the 500-year-old Gopinath Temple was more than a festival of lights; it was a beacon of hope, dignity, and inclusion. Nearly a hundred mothers from various shelter homes gathered, their faces aglow as they lit colourful diyas, their laughter and chatter filling the air with warmth and camaraderie. The temple, steeped in history, became a sanctuary of shared joy.

Devi Ghosh, one of the mothers, her eyes sparkling with gratitude, shared, “Thanks to these revolutionary efforts, we widows are no longer shadowed by sorrow. We’re happy, truly happy, living and celebrating in Vrindavan.” Her words echoed the quiet strength of countless others who have found a renewed sense of purpose.

This heart-stirring initiative traces back to the compassionate vision of the late Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, the revered social reformer and founder of the Sulabh Movement. Since 2012, his organisation has cradled hundreds of mothers in Vrindavan and Varanasi, ensuring they are not forgotten in the twilight of their lives. Beyond the Diwali festivities, Sulabh provides medical care, vocational training, and daily support, weaving a safety net of care and dignity, as Pathak tenderly noted.

Guided by the Supreme Court’s directives, Sulabh’s unwavering commitment continues to light up the lives of these women, replacing the weight of tradition with the warmth of inclusion. As the diyas flickered in the temple courtyard, they illuminated not just the night but the unbreakable spirit of these mothers, now celebrated, cherished, and home in the heart of Vrindavan.