Panipat (Haryana), January 22, 2015: The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi today gave a clarion call to the people of the country to end gender discrimination by completely eradicating the practice of female foeticide which he said will lead to a healthy and balanced society.
He was addressing a huge gathering, mainly of women during the launch of national programme ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ at Panipat on Thursday.
Regretting that inspite of living in the 21 century, our mindset is still inclined towards 18th century when at that time the birth of the girl was not welcomed in the families. The Prime Minister exhorted the people to end the discrimination between sons and daughters which would automatically lead to elimination of female foeticide. He said that coordinated efforts are needed to end this heinous practice otherwise, we are creating a terrible situation for our coming generations. He even went to the extent of begging like a ‘bhikshuk’ to the people not to involve in the evil practice of female foeticide.
He urged the doctors not to conduct sex determination for the purpose of female foeticide as the aim of their profession was to save life and not kill daughters.
He said though this programme has been organized in Panipat in Haryana, the message is relevant all across the country. He said there were people who wanted educated daughters-in-law, but were reluctant to educate their own daughters, and called to end this hypocrisy.
The Prime Minister quoted the eminent Urdu scholar from Panipat, Altaf Hussain Haali "O Sisters, mothers, daughters - you are the ornaments of the world, you are the life of nations, the dignity of civilizations." He also quoted from other ancient scriptures to highlight the importance given to the girl child.
The Prime Minister recalled the astronaut Kalpana Chawla, who was originally from Haryana, as an example of how girls could excel and make a name for themselves. He said girls were today doing well in sports, in education and health sectors, and had a very significant contribution, even in agriculture.
The Prime Minister thanked noted actress Madhuri Dixit, who participated in this programme, despite her mother being seriously unwell. He said this demonstrated her commitment to the cause, and similar commitment would be required to the gender imbalance created in our society.
The Prime Minister launched the "Sukanya Samriddhi Account" for the benefit of the girl child. On this occasion, he also handed over pass books to five girls namely Amulya, Arshia, Pawni, Kashni and Palak. He released a stamp on the theme "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao," and administered the "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" pledge.
Speaking on this occasion, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Sanjay Gandhi thanked the Prime Minister for taking the issue seriously after assuming the office. The Prime Minister announced to lay special focus on BBBP on the occasion of Independence Day and said that big initiatives would be taken by the government for economic and social development of the girls. She also thanked the Haryana Government for putting wings to this programme.
The Union Minister urged the people to associate themselves with BBBP program-me so as to make it successful. Quoting example of Gujarat, she said that Gujarat government had given 33 per cent reservation to women in police. This practice should also be followed in entire country including Haryana so as to ensure security of women.
Actress, Madhuri Dixit Nene said that it is a matter of pride that new Union Government in its first year had launched BBBP scheme for ensuring safety and education of girls. Presently the situation is alarming concerning gender balances in the country. There is need to change the mindset of people to completely eradicate the social evil from the society.
Madhuri said that girls should be given nutrition, education and all faculties’ right from the birth.
The Governor of Haryana Kaptan Singh Solanki, Chief Minister of Haryana, Manohar Lal, Union Ministers, Ravi Shankar Prasad, J.P.Nadda, Ch.Birender Singh, Smriti Irani, Rao Inderjit Singh, Krishan Pal Gurjar, Jayant Sinha and Haryana Minister Kavita Jain were present on the occasion./ (SK Vyas/Jalandhar)
Date:
Thursday, January 22, 2015