Youth icon Nisha Sharma takes up a woman's cause

Nisha Sharma, who became an international celebrity by sending her would-be groom to jail when he demanded dowry on wedding day, helped a woman deserted by her husband.

The 21-year-old computer engineering student sat with a group of village heads in the neighbouring town of Sonepat in Haryana on Monday and ensured that the woman, Neelam, got space in her husband's house.

"She (Neelam) was very scared. She was not able to speak in front of them," Nisha told rediff.com. "I encouraged her to come forward and speak and explain her problems in the panchayat."

"Neelam's father came to meet me on May 14. He was very upset and requested me to intervene into the matter. I took her case to a voluntary group Mahila Dakshita Samiti," said Nisha.

Neelam, a resident of Sonepat town, is married to Vikas, who owns a watch shop close to Nisha's house in Noida.

Vikas deserted Neelam, who has a daughter, when she could not meet his dowry demands, Nisha said.

"She (Neelam) even complained to the police, but the police abused her in return. Her father then took her to Sonepat. She was staying with her father since then," Nisha added.

The voluntary group was not of much help. Nisha then approached the people of Neelam's neighbourhood in Sonepat and asked them to arrange for a meeting. Neelam's husband and her in-laws were also called.

After a long negotiation, Vikas agreed to take Neelam back home.

"I am happy. It gives me satisfaction," said Nisha, who is also member of several women's groups and regularly attends meetings and discussions on women's issues.

"Many women are coming to me with their problems. I do my best to guide them and encourage them. Currently I am handling at least five cases," she said.