Vaishali, a bargirl and singer has written a book based on her life, a 1200-page hand-written manuscript in Marathi. "I never wanted to talk about all the abuse I have suffered. But now I have written this book as a form of seva. If my story helps others see women in a different light. Or offers some strength to other women who are exploited — at home or outside, then I am happy," says Vaishali to reporters.
VAISHALI WRITING HER BIOGRAPHY
This will be the first book written and published by a bagirl in India but not the last. Within a month another bar dancer from traditional dancing community and member of the Union will finish her autobiography too. The bargirls movement has inspired and given courage to this stigmatised class of women to express themselves. When the movement started people were accusing that women coming in the rallies and demonstrations were hiding their faces to shield their identity. Still I was confident that slowly they will have courage to come out openly if I persist. Now they not only have discarded vails but also inhibitions about communicating openly about their lives.
"The big influence in my life is Varsha Kale, president of the Bar Girls Union. She has done so much for our rights. She has encouraged me so much to write this book. She has brought khushboo (sweetness) to my life."
Now Vaishali tells reporters. But the whole process was quite scaringly difficult and testing. One day Vaishali used to threaten me if I ever publish her book and the other day she would warn me of dire consequenses if I would not publish it. Still I love her. She is really a sweet girl and I can understand updowns in her moods. Perhaps I may write a book some day on interactions with Vaishali and other bargirls engaged in the process to highlight my plight.
Just kidding
Read some news stories about Vaishali here
Also read about another bargirls biography
kiki
05/18/06 @ 00:09