Applying Life Skills Education as humanitarian Logistics: Special Focus on Devadasi/Jogini Women in the State of Telangana

Abstract

The practice of Jogini system is a feudal remnant of exploitation of Dalit women in the name of religion and social custom and practices. In the Telangana region the practice of Jogini system is rampant which is causing severe stress and strains for the development of Dalit women. They were exploited in the name of religion by the upper caste and rich sections of the society. They are called with different names in different regions. In some of the Dalit families in Mahaboobnagar and Nizamabad districts of Telangana state the girls are dedicated to the services of the local deities such as Yellamma, Poleramma, and Renukamba etc. By dedicating to the Gods and goddesses they get the stigma of untouchables and Prostitutes. They lead a deplorable life in the society facing a lot of challenges to combat the untouchable practices, atrocities and other forms of discrimination in the society. The present study is an attempt to understand and comprehend how life skills education will promote and help the development of the Dalit women to face the present and future challenges in the society and promote their human capital through Life Skills Education. The World health Organization has emphasized the importance of the life skills education for the protection of the health conditions of vulnerable groups and to save them from HIV/AIDS etc.