Eminent social activist Krishnammal Jagannathan has expressed shock and concern over reports of sexual abuse against children in a free India.

Speaking at a function marked to celebrate her centenary birthday organised in her honour at the Gandhigram Rural Institute silver jubilee auditorium, she said that the society should not remain silent over such reports. It is really disturbing. Only when girl children and women are considered safe, a society can look forward for overall growth.

She said that education alone may not be sufficient. Social security was equally important for womenfolk. The society should not just be a passive spectator to the injustice meted out to the children and instead rise up. “I was deeply concerned over reading reports that even children were subjected to physical abuses in a free India,” she said.

Thanking late Soundaram Ammal, who had sown the seeds for the establishment of the great institution founded in 1947 in memory of the Mahatma, Ms Krishnammal Jagannathan said that despite odds in her life, her determination gave her the strength to work for the marginalised people. She appealed to the society to think ways to prevent such negativities happening against the women and wanted each one to take a pledge to remain secure and united. She said, “Today, on my 100th birthday, I feel immensely blessed enough. I wish each one of you to strive hard and work for the less fortunate....” she summed up.

Speakers at the function recalled the contributions of Ms Krishnammal Jagannathan for the SCs, her role in the Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan Movement and among others. Her chequered career in public life gave her the great honour with the Padma Bhushan award by the Union government. Many educational institutions and premier universities in the country also honoured her for her sincere works.

GRI vice-chancellor Panchanatham, noted writer Bharati Krishnakumar, former VC Pankajam and among others spoke on the occasion. A short documentary film on the eminent social activist was screened on the occasion by Swathi Mohan.

Many activists from different parts of Tamil Nadu and other States participated and expressed their happiness by presenting shawls and books to Ms Krishnammal Jagannathan.