Aanandi by Jyoti Jha Launched at ‘Beti Bachao National Conference’ in Pune

Nothing could be more heinous than female feticide in any society where human beings are the proud inhabitants of an intellectual species. But still, it has been a common phenomenon in a society that not just prompts us but also makes it our utmost duty to save the life of the girls. Not only as parents do we need to understand the value of the life of girls, but also since it has become the need of the hour to be an active participant in all those initiatives which are consistently working towards the welfare of girls. These were the words of Dr. Ganesh Rakh, who was present as a Chief Guest in the event hosted by Savitribai Phule Shaikshanik Seva Foundation, Pune, in the remembrance of Chhatrapati Shivaji; Mahatma Maharaj Phule, and Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Dr. Rakh who is the pioneer of ‘Beti Bachao Jan Andolan’, started this pious movement a decade ago and today more than 2 lacs doctors, 12 thousand NGOs, and 1.75 million volunteers have been a part of this caravan. At the onset of the event; Hemlatha Mhaske, the Secretary, shared her concern about the disparity faced by girl children in our society. The rising disparity has given birth to various problems for girls which is not a good sign for any civilized society.

The event centered on the various problems faced by women and girls; witnessed the honorable presence of the award-winning author, Jyoti Jha whose latest masterpiece; Aanandi was launched. Aanandi is a story of a girl’s struggle, belief, grit, determination, and undying faith to succeed in life. In her presidential speech, the eminent author stressed the dubious role of parents in female feticide and the diseased mentality of society. She also focused on the rising need for education and financial independence of women.

The event also witnessed the distribution of school bags and copies among girls where Nagar Sevak; Yogesh Malik promised to impart every possible help for the welfare of women. There was also poetry recitation by Suvarnlata Jamdade and Indumati Darade. Dolan Roy, poetess and one of the eminent guests, also shared her concern on the decreasing gender ratio of females whereas Dr. Lalasaheb Gaikwad; convenor stressed increasing initiatives for the welfare of girls. Another special guest present at the event, Mr. Shambhu Nath Mistry, a senior poet, highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment in India. Senior journalist and Social Worker, Dr. Latant Prasun shared his views on how Pune is an appropriate place to start working for such a noble cause as Pune has a very rich history of the upliftment of women and where the social reformer and educationist, Savitribai Phule pioneered the feminist movement in India and played a vital role in improving women’s rights in the country. Mr. Prasun also emphasized the upliftment of girls as otherwise, would lead to dire consequences. The event was hosted by Mr. Prasun along with Sachin Narre.