SOCIETY

Eunuchs congregate in Kanpur to highlight their problems

     Kanpur: Hundreds of eunuchs in Kanpur attended a three-day convention on Thursday to highlight their problems. In the convention, the eunuchs not only prayed for a better next birth but also for resolution of all problems they have been facing in this life. "We do everything. We also help poor girls to get married. We want a batter life in our next birth. We also pray for that," said Rupa, a eunuch. Neerja, another eunuch, said: "We all eunuchs from all over the country have gathered here. All of us are like family. We make friends. We become mothers and sisters to each other. So that relations can be long lasting." In recent years, however, eunuchs have been asserting their presence in society, with some even bidding for public offices. In Madhya Pradesh two posts of city mayors are held by eunuchs who beat popular candidates in a heavily attended electoral process. Being ostracized from society, the eunuchs have also grouped to form welfare associations and have repeatedly demanded right to employment, marriage and also child adoption amongst other things. Ninety percent of the eunuchs still live in extreme poverty, have a close to nil participation in regular occupations and earn a living only by collecting cash "gifts" on auspicious occasions.
-Jan 6, 2005

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