Reactions poured in from several quarters as news trickled in on Wednesday morning that two women below the age of 50 had created history by becoming the first to enter Sabarimala temple. Scriptwriter and activist Deedi Damodaran welcomed the entry of the two women three months after the Supreme Court permitted women of all ages to enter the Ayyappa temple. She said, "History will be obliged to Kanaka and Bindu for proving that the Constitution is something that really exists. They have done it by risking their life, daring to face the consequences. We all are obliged to them."
The entry of Bindu and Kanakadurga, who had both attempted to enter the temple in December but were barred by protesters, comes a day after the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government organised the Women’s Wall campaign to raise awareness about their stance in the Sabarimala issue besides reinforcing the state’s commitment to renaissance values and improving the status of women in society. The Women’s Wall, saw lakhs of women participate in the human chain that stretched from Kasargod to Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.
Writer CS Chandrika said: "Personally what I feel is that the government was waiting to see the if the Women's Wall was a success or not. The government was waiting to gain a support system through the Women's Wall, lakhs of women who participated in the Wall will be obliged to Kanaka and Bindu."
"No other news would be as happy as this for the New Year. Now it won't be easy for the RSS and the BJP to create trouble in the issue. Though some statements from Kadakampally Surendran (Devaswom Board Minister) could have been avoided, the Chief Minister had been very guarded, firm and mature in handling and finally implementing the verdict," she added.
“Heard that women entered Sabarimala. If it is true, it's not just the start of a New Year but of a new era,” said writer Sethu.
"I have been thrilled, so much of happiness and excitement. I have goosebumps, what a happy news to welcome a new year. On Tuesday we built the Women's Wall, it indeed turned out to be a fort. Even before we finish building the fort we have done it. I have been watching these two women, Bindu and Kanaka for the courage they have, for their determination. They have preserved the self-esteem of women," said writer S Saradakutty.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also received a word of praise. "The presence of mind of the Chief Minister should be appreciated, he thought wisely, created the apt environment, done it without any sensation, very peacefully," she added.