Page 202 - SocialHarmony

206 Social Harmony

hands, and listen to the problem in order to come to a verdict.
I often used to observe them as a novice in my younger days.
The way they talk and argue, the way they cite the rules of their
society are truly interesting. There is a village near Manali in
Himachal Pradesh, which is the only village where women are
judges. People from across the world have written about this.
When I visited Himachal Pradesh I found people talking about
this. I told my friends from Himachal that they have failed to
publicize this practice. I told them about our Devipujak
community where even today, justice is administered by
women, not men. In the absence of a single lady member of the
Panch, the decisions taken by the other eleven are considered
null and void. Till the lady member of the Panch approves any
decision taken by the remaining members, it is not considered
valid.

The ultimate judgment of the court is in the hands of
women. This shows the path of progress of this community.
Women have such fame and power! Women play such a
significant role in the development of society! I would think
that women can be the source of power not only within their
own community, but for our whole society if they are educated.
They can serve the country better.

Thus, this Devipujak community, with an acute business
acumen, courage and thrift, can develop by leaps and bounds if
they are given the opportunity of education.