The entry of women in Sabarimala has been an issue that has set the nation on fire for the past two months. On the 10th of January, 2019 this issue was whole-heartedly welcome at the KLF for discussion. On stage Aksharam, Lakshmi Rajeev, Khadeeja Mumtahaz, P.K. Sajeev, K.T. Kunhikannan and R. Rajashree on the dias, some new ideas and theories were put forth seeking why women should be allowed in the holy temple.
The session started with the story of Sasthan (Lord Ayyappa) and how Lord Indra, when going for war, had asked Sasthan to take care of his wife. The question that arises that how could one say no entry for women at a place where this same Sasthan resides. The first speaker K.T. Kunhikannan shared a small incident, an affidavit submitted to the court saying that letting women enter Sabarimala is equivalent to "Bramhahathya" (insulting brahmins). Moreover, he shared his views on how menstruation is considered a reason for not letting women enter Sabarimala, saying that they are impure as they bleed.
Dr. Khadeeja Mumthaz, a renowned author and a doctor continued on the same topic saying that no woman would want to go on a difficult journey, such as the path to Sabarimala during menstruation knowing that they would have difficulty in maintaining cleanliness. Hence, they seek help from science and find ways to extend their menstrual period.
P.K. Sajeev, a person who has spoken for many tribal communities, made a point, "Women are holy, not unholy." Saying that what woman does is much more than a man, such as taking care of a family. The session provided much more diverse perpective on the topic apart from what we get from the media.