Activists in Karnataka are calling for a new survey of the Devadasi community without imposing an age limit. This demand comes as the state prepares for its third survey, which aims to identify Devadasis primarily located in 15 northern districts. The National Law School of India University (NLSIU) is leading efforts to create new legislation for this community and has expressed concerns to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah about the potential exclusion of younger women from the survey.

The previous surveys conducted in 1993-1994 and 2007-2008 identified 22,873 and 46,660 Devadasis, respectively. However, many community members believe that numerous individuals remain unrecognized due to various issues, including a lack of awareness about past surveys. For instance, Honnamma, a 74-year-old woman with a Devadasi certificate, reported not being on any list and not receiving her pension.

Activists argue that previous surveys were hindered by an age limit set at 45 years or older. Many women from North Karnataka migrate for work and may not have been aware of their eligibility to register as Devadasis. They emphasize that removing this age restriction is crucial for ensuring comprehensive identification and rehabilitation benefits.

The government has been urged to conduct door-to-door surveys with teams that include former Devadasis to ensure accurate representation and prevent non-Devadasis from receiving benefits meant for those within the community. Despite being banned since 1982 under the Karnataka Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act, the practice continues in some areas during temple fairs. Activists stress that stigma surrounding the label "Devadasi" has historically discouraged many from coming forward during previous surveys.

Original article

The article provides an overview of the ongoing efforts to survey and support the Devadasi community in Karnataka, India. It highlights the activists' demands and concerns regarding the upcoming third survey, which aims to identify and assist Devadasis.

Actionable Information: The article does not offer specific steps or instructions for readers to take immediate action. It primarily informs readers about the survey process and the challenges faced by the Devadasi community. However, it does mention the need for door-to-door surveys and the inclusion of former Devadasis in the teams, which could be a potential action point for those involved in organizing the survey.

Educational Depth: It provides a deeper understanding of the historical context and the ongoing issues surrounding the Devadasi practice. By explaining the past surveys, their limitations, and the reasons for the activists' demands, the article educates readers on the complexities of the situation. It also sheds light on the stigma and migration-related challenges that impact the identification and support of Devadasis.

Personal Relevance: For individuals directly involved in the Devadasi community or those working in related fields (social work, advocacy, etc.), this article holds significant personal relevance. It directly impacts their understanding of the community's needs and the potential solutions. For the general public, while the topic may not have an immediate personal impact, it raises awareness about a marginalized community and the ongoing efforts to address their rights and well-being.

Public Service Function: The article serves a public service by bringing attention to the ongoing survey and the concerns raised by activists. It informs the public about the existence of the Devadasi practice, its legal status, and the challenges in identifying and supporting these individuals. However, it does not provide emergency contacts or immediate tools for the public to take action.

Practicality of Advice: The advice provided, such as conducting door-to-door surveys and including former Devadasis, is practical and realistic. These suggestions are actionable and could lead to more accurate representation and benefits for the community.

Long-Term Impact: By advocating for a comprehensive survey without age restrictions, the article contributes to long-term positive impacts. It aims to ensure that all Devadasis, regardless of age, are identified and provided with the necessary support and rehabilitation. This has the potential to improve the community's overall well-being and reduce the practice's prevalence over time.

Emotional/Psychological Impact: The article may evoke emotions such as empathy and a sense of social responsibility in readers. It highlights the challenges faced by Devadasis and the need for support, which could motivate individuals to engage in further learning or take action to help the community.

Clickbait/Ad-Driven Words: The article does not appear to use sensational or misleading language to attract attention. It presents the information in a straightforward manner, focusing on the facts and the activists' demands.

Missed Chances to Teach or Guide: The article could have provided more guidance by offering resources or contacts for readers interested in learning more or getting involved. It could have included links to relevant organizations, research studies, or government initiatives related to the Devadasi community. Additionally, a brief explanation of the Devadasi practice and its historical context would have been beneficial for readers unfamiliar with the topic.

The issue of the Devadasi community and the proposed survey highlights a critical juncture where the well-being and survival of families and local communities are at stake. The activists' call for a comprehensive survey without an age limit is a necessary step to ensure the recognition and support of all Devadasi women, regardless of their age or migration status.

The previous surveys, with their age restrictions, have failed to capture the full extent of the community's needs. This exclusion has led to situations like Honnamma's, where an elderly woman, despite possessing a Devadasi certificate, remains unrecognized and unable to access her pension. Such an outcome undermines the very foundation of family duty and community care.

The practice of Devadasi dedication, though banned, continues in certain areas, perpetuating a stigma that discourages women from identifying themselves as Devadasis. This stigma not only hinders accurate representation but also weakens the community's ability to protect its members, especially the vulnerable and the young.

The proposed door-to-door survey, with the inclusion of former Devadasis, is a positive step towards accurate identification and the prevention of benefit misuse. It ensures that the community's needs are met and that the benefits reach those who are rightfully entitled to them.

However, the long-term survival of the community and the continuity of its people are at risk if these issues are not addressed comprehensively. The practice of Devadasi dedication, if left unchecked, can lead to a diminished birth rate and a disruption of family structures, threatening the very existence of the community.

The responsibility to uphold family duty and protect the vulnerable falls on the shoulders of the community itself. By ensuring that all Devadasi women, regardless of age or migration status, are recognized and supported, the community can strengthen its kinship bonds and secure its survival.

If the described behaviors and ideas are allowed to persist unchecked, the consequences for the Devadasi community and its future generations are dire. The erosion of family structures, the neglect of vulnerable members, and the potential for a diminished birth rate all threaten the community's ability to thrive and continue its legacy. It is through the restoration of trust, the fulfillment of family duties, and the protection of the vulnerable that the community can ensure its survival and the stewardship of its land.

"Activists in Karnataka are calling for a new survey... age restriction is crucial." The text uses strong words like "calling" and "crucial" to emphasize the activists' demands. This creates a sense of urgency and importance, making their request seem more valid and necessary. It helps the activists' cause by presenting their viewpoint as essential and urgent.

"Many women from North Karnataka migrate for work... benefits meant for those within the community." By mentioning that women migrate for work, the text implies that these women are hard-working and deserve support. It highlights their economic contributions, which can evoke sympathy and support for their cause. This narrative helps ensure these women are not overlooked in the survey.

"Activists argue that previous surveys were hindered... receiving benefits meant for those within the community." The activists' argument is presented as a fact, without providing specific evidence or details. This framing suggests that the age limit was solely responsible for the survey's shortcomings, leaving out other potential factors. It helps the activists' case by shifting blame and presenting their solution as the only viable option.

"Despite being banned since 1982... during temple fairs." The text mentions the practice of dedicating women as Devadasis, but it does not explicitly state who is responsible for continuing this practice. By using passive voice, it avoids directly blaming any specific group or individual. This strategy protects the activists and the community from potential backlash.

"Activists stress that stigma surrounding the label... during previous surveys." The text suggests that the stigma associated with the label "Devadasi" is a significant barrier to accurate surveys. By focusing on this stigma, the activists draw attention away from other potential challenges or limitations of the survey process. This strategy helps justify the need for a new survey without age restrictions.

The text evokes a range of emotions, primarily centered around concern, frustration, and a sense of injustice. These emotions are expressed through the activists' demands and the community's experiences, which highlight the ongoing challenges and shortcomings of previous surveys.

The concern arises from the potential exclusion of younger women from the survey, as expressed by the NLSIU and community members like Honnamma, who, despite having a Devadasi certificate, remains unrecognized and unable to access her pension. This concern is further amplified by the activists' argument that many women, due to migration for work, may have been unaware of their eligibility to register as Devadasis, thus missing out on crucial identification and rehabilitation benefits.

Frustration is evident in the activists' call to remove the age limit, as they believe it hindered the effectiveness of previous surveys. They argue that this restriction has led to an underrepresentation of the Devadasi community, leaving many individuals unrecognized and unable to access the support they deserve. The frustration also stems from the continued practice of dedicating women as Devadasis, despite it being banned under the Karnataka Devadasis (Prohibition of Dedication) Act.

The text also conveys a sense of injustice, as the stigma surrounding the label "Devadasi" has historically discouraged women from coming forward during surveys. This stigma, coupled with the potential exclusion of younger women, creates an unfair situation where those most in need of support and recognition are being left out.

These emotions are strategically employed to guide the reader's reaction and evoke empathy for the Devadasi community. By highlighting the concerns and frustrations of the activists and community members, the text aims to create a sense of sympathy and understanding for the challenges they face. The personal story of Honnamma, for instance, adds a human element to the issue, making it more relatable and emotionally impactful.

The writer uses emotional language and storytelling to persuade the reader. The repetition of the word "survey" and the emphasis on the potential exclusion of younger women create a sense of urgency and importance around the issue. The comparison between the two previous surveys, which identified significantly different numbers of Devadasis, also highlights the potential for error and the need for a more comprehensive approach.

Additionally, the use of phrases like "door-to-door surveys" and "accurate representation" suggests a more inclusive and effective process, appealing to the reader's sense of fairness and justice. By presenting a clear problem and a proposed solution, the text aims to inspire action and create a sense of urgency to address the ongoing issues faced by the Devadasi community.