From: "cyber diva" <cyberdiva16-AT-hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Final Version: Collective Letter to the 
Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 18:05:54 PST


I prefer the question format.

r

>From: iview-AT-technologist.com
>Date: Sun, 29 Nov 1998 13:04:02 -0800
>To: third-world-women-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
>Subject: Final Version:  Collective Letter to the "Bride-burning and 
Dowry" Conference
>Reply-To: third-world-women-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
>
>Partha Banerjee wrote:
>> 
>> Friends:
>> 
>> I just need to make one comment here. Under item 1, where it says 
"the
>> state of Rajasthan...where bride-burning is accepted practice", it 
probably
>> should say instead, "the states of Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, 
Punjab,
>> etc., i.e., the BJP strongholds, where brides are brutally burned 
most
>> often upon the non-payment of dowry."
>> 
>
>> 
>> _____________________________________
>> 
>
>To All on this list:
>
>I've incorporatated Partha's suggestion, kept the question format, and
>re-edited.  If you have anymore suggestions, please send them.  Those
>wishing to sign, please add your signatures now.  
>
>My plan is to post this letter with our signatures on SAWNET to 
interest
>SA women around the world to stand up and be heard on behalf of the
>"Every Woman" we want to champion as activists, revolutionaries,
>thinkers, social workers, policy makers, and legislators.  I believe
>that those who wish to represent *HER* need to speak in one voice, at
>the exclusion of our personal biases and egos. 
>
>I wish to thank those who have already lent support, and look forward 
to
>adding all remaining signers to our list of signatures.
>
>Thank you all in advance,
>
>Manjusree Sen
>
>LETTER BELOW:
>----------------------------------------------------------------------- 
>
>
>Dear Dr. Witzel,
>
>RE:  Bride-burning and Dowry Conference, Harvard University
>
>We are writing to request a clear account of the reasons for having 
this
>conference being held at Harvard University.  This forum seems also
>heavily populated by VHP/BJP presenters.  We, therefore, have several
>questions:
>
>1.  Are Harvard scholars aware of the history, rise, and known
>oppressive actions of the RSS/BJP/VHP in India?  For example, are you
>aware that in the states of Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, 
and
>other states that are BJP strongholds, brides are brutally burned most
>often upon the non-payment of dowry?
>
>2.  What is the political make up of the Sanskrit and Indian Studies
>department faculty at Harvard University, and what bearing do you feel
>that may have had on BJP/VHP fundamentalist leanings at this 
conference?
>Why is the focus only on "bride burning and dowry" -- what's the
>link to Sanskrit and Indian Studies?
>
>3.  Does Harvard support fundamentalist views, which this conference
>seems to suggest?
>
>4.  What is Harvard's investment in women's issues other than purely
>academic research based on observing oppressed populations of women
>(for example, the victims of sexual harrassment, abuse, murder,
>battering, job discrimination)?
>
>5.  Why is this "conference" an *academic* one?
>Global representation of non-academic representatives from among women
>activists seem to be absent from this forum.
>
>7.  How should the public perceive the *incorporation* of a
>cause:  "International Society Against Dowry & Bride-Burning in
>
>Thank you for your time and consideration.  We look forward to your
>reply.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Signatures:
>
>Manjusree Sen
>Consultant, USA
>iview-AT-technologist.com wrote
>
>Meg Henson Scales
>dharlem-AT-pipeline.com
>
>m.annapurna
>field worker, india
>mannapurna-AT-hotmail.com
>
>Radhika Gajjala 
>email: cyberdiva16-AT-hotmail.com


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