Interface between religious leaders, advocates held in Ongole

Ongole: The RAIDS and Girls Advocacy Alliance organized an interface meeting between the block level religious leaders and district-level young advocates in Ongole on Monday.

Speaking at the meeting, the chief priest P Kesavacharyulu said that the role of religious leaders is high in eradicating child marriages and encouraging them for a greater career. He advised the girls to make a habit of questioning and fight their problems to the core level and never compromise on child marriages. He assured that the religious leaders will always support the girl child and cooperate for their bright future.

Responding to a question from youth advocate Lakshmi Prasanna, government khazi Shaik Afsar Muzahid said that the parents also should change their mindset to reduce the discrimination of girl child.

Muslim leader Shaik Ghousunnisa Begam appreciated the programs by the GAA and wished to make Prakasam district free from the child marriages with the cooperation of religious leaders, community elders and parents.

The religious leaders from Hindu and Muslim religions, community leaders Sivakumari, Madhavi, representatives of various NGOs, youth advocates and coordinators N Srinivasa Murthy, Manemma and M Muralikrishna also participated in the program.