Having a Girl Child......A Matter of Pride!

Amongst divergent cultures all over the world, women occupy a very high position. Yet our society abstains from entrusting them with their fundamental rights. It is a well-documented fact that male offspring are privileged and favoured over female child. Though, we claim that gender bias does not exist in this 21st century, the reality is far from truth. The old order of societal norms still prevail. As a result female foeticide cases are reported every day.
It is a common misconception that a daughter is a liability to the family. Or that unlike the opposite sex, they are not the torch bearers to carry forward the name and legacy of the family. And our Indian "samaaj" tends to believe it without reasoning and questioning. Certain factors have led people to postulate such misconceptions maybe
1. Dowry-The first and foremost culprit which is very much prevalent even in the most educated upper class families. Parents give in to the demands of the groom's family for the sake of a better and happier future of their daughter.
2. Wedding Expenses-It is an expected norm that the expenses of marriage will be borne by the bride's family. From food, decoration, lodging of guests, to gifts for every family member--the list goes on. Another obvious reason which bothers a girl child’s parents.
3. Safety-With the episodes of sexual assault prevalent worldwide and victim blaming and shaming continuing, parents concern for their daughter can’t be ignored.

Though the reasons stated above are a matter of concern, not every parent of a girl child are of the same opinion. There has been considerable transformation in the lives of women in the present day modern world. Else, India would never have got such great women achievers who have brought laurels in their respect professions--Smt.Pratibha Patil, Smt.Indira Gandhi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, Smt.Arundhati Roy to name a few glorious women. Its high time we amend our thought processes. As we are celebrating our 69th Independence Day this year, lets join hands together in eradicating the misconception that "Daughters=Tensions".
Rather enlighten our society in making this world a safe place for women. Brighten our perception and aid the girl child survive, grow and progress, and echo it out aloud that "Daughter=Ten Sons".
As Pt.Jawaharlal Nehru, said-"You can tell the condition of a nation by looking at the status of it's women". Megastar Mr.Amitabh Bachchan recently tweeted on the occasion of Daughter's week-"You can call your daughter as beta, but not your son as beti".
Having grown up witnessing such evil practices prevalent in our "samaaj", I have always yearned for a girl child, who would complete my life. Through out my pregnancy I have offered prayers, performed rituals with utmost fidelity to obtain a girl child. Ultimately all my prayers were answered. A zillion thanks to the Almighty for entrusting me with such a precious and adorable treasure, my precious bundle of joy, my beloved daughter "Soha".
Painting the town red on my daughter's first birthday, I the proud mommy would like to share my feelings for her. I can’t envision any better gift for her which she can treasure."My dear Soha, You are the greatest thing that have ever happened to me. Your smile is my life's purpose which makes me realize how beautiful my life is. A very Happy Birthday to you. Stay Happy, Stay Blessed, Always!!!!!

Note: This blog is a mother’s expression of love for her daughter on her first birthday. The thoughts and ideas expressed here are solely of the blogger, and in any way do not reflect on the ideologies of Parentune’s content. Parentune simply wishes to participate in the happiness.