Clinton charms Nayala women

Casually dressed in a grey shirt and black trousers, he came smiling and was given a traditional reception with a garland, folk songs, a red thread tied around his wrist and rose petals. The women, decked in colourful lehengas, deviated from tradition to shake hands with their guest.

As the women started telling him about their arduous journey from helplessness to economic independence, the President looked touched, surprised and curious.

Moved by the fight put up by a woman worker of the village milk cooperative, he said, "I am sure you will win hands down in any election from wherever you contest."

He wanted to hear more. Raising incisive queries, he sought to know about the attitude of the men in the village, if the children who were being educated would get jobs in the village and whether they got clean drinking water from.

Clinton, who was made a member of the "Dhobalai" village Dairy Cooperative by being presented a smart card, said he will "treasure" the card and put it in the White House so that he could tell the people the story behind it.

Accompanied by Minister of State for Small Industries Vasundhara Raje at the 19th century fort housing the panchayat office, Clinton patiently listened to the panchayat members who explained the decentralisation of power and rural development under the system of local self development.

Women members told clinton that 33 per cent reservation for women in panchayat bodies through a constitution amendment had brought about an attitudinal change in the male-dominated society towards the fair sex.

“Things were different about a decade ago when women were not allowed to go beyond the limits of household affairs. But with the provision of reservation, we are actively participating in local bodies. We are trying to assert ourselves”, they said.