Mandya: S Yashoda Gowda, state secretary of the All India Mahila Congress, urged the state govt to rename lakes that have names considered disrespectful to women, stating that such names cause embarrassment and undermine the dignity of women.Addressing a press conference in Mandya, she emphasised that historical water bodies should reflect respect and cultural values rather than perpetuate derogatory references.Yashoda pointed out that Karnataka has more than 41,849 lakes, with Hassan district topping the list with 6,861 lakes. While these lakes are an important part of the state’s heritage and irrigation system, she noted that several of them bear names that are offensive to women. She said having such names in public records and everyday usage is inappropriate in a modern and progressive society.Yashoda also referred to the Sulekere in Nagamangala and the Sulekere located in the Bangaradoddi channel of Maddur taluk in Mandya district. She suggested alternative names such as Bangaradoddi Kere, Akka-Tangi Kere, or other respectful titles.She stressed that renaming such lakes would not only restore dignity but also help preserve history in a way that respects women and promotes gender sensitivity in public spaces.
