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“You can tell the condition of a nation by looking at the status of its
women”.
- Jawaharlal Nehru-
In India, goddesses are revered. But, only as idols to be worshipped in
the form of Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth), Saraswati (Goddess of
knowledge), and Sita (ideal consort of Shri Ram). Once in a way, the
form of Durga (killer of evil) or Vaishnodevi (remover of obstacles)
puts fear in the Indian male. But that’s about it all.
Despite ‘India Poised’ and
‘India Shining’ 21st century slogans, the country has a shameful record
of girl-boy ratio all over the country. Even in educated urban areas
where every facility is available, the selective sex tests, female
infanticide through pre-natal diagnostics tests families want boys and
not girls.
Even today, the stark reality of the ratio of 927-1000 (girl-boy) cannot
be ignored. It is staring at the nation, as it claims economy is
growing. It is hardly surprising that in North Indian states like Madhya
Pradesh, UP, Punjab and Bihar, girls barely have a chance to get born.
The womb becomes a tomb for many girls. Census taken for decade of
1991-2001 show the number of female infanticide increased in urban areas
of north India. In New Delhi alone the number of middle class homes
aborting the female foetus was appalling.
Girl child infanticide in india : In early seventies, prenatal tests to
detect abnormalities in the unborn child were introduced in India. But
these tests are used more to determine the sex of the child. Educated
families have the dilemma of bringing up the girl child even today. The
Hindu blessing, ‘May you be a mother of 100 sons’ rings true in every
bride’s ears when she is married.
It is when the bride is unable to give the male heir; she is sometimes
forced to a life of embarrassment. Pathetic !
Influence of films where the birth of the boy is celebrated with much
fervour is an example of India’s social life. There is no incentive for
the girl being born. All the comforts, medicine, healthcare, nutrition
and luxuries are reserved for the boys. The girl’s status is second
class in urban and rural areas in India.
Girl child at risk in india : A girl child is susceptible to sexual
violence very early in life. The threat comes from the girl’s family and
relatives. Many of the rape cases against girls registered in India are
under the age of ten. The sex ratio has also declined as every sixth
female death is purposely due to gender bias. Nearly three lakh of
girls die every year.
The clinical tests amniocentesis and biopsy reserved for detecting
abnormalities are being misused for identifying the gender of the foetus.
In small towns and cities girls are being murdered quietly. In 1996,
Kuruppayee an unknown woman in Tamil Nadu was the first to be convicted
for female infanticide.
Her husband was let of despite abetment. She had strangled her fifth
girl child after birth as the husband’s family wanted a son. Despite
the conviction female foetuses are aborted. Can one still say India is
shining? If there are no girls how will she become a mother of a hundred
sons?
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Save the Girl child
» Girl Child – Future of India
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Urban Vs Rural India |
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