Dehradun: Having an established and traditional preference for a male child, it is unfortunate that right from the first census of 1871, India has consistently shown an abnormal sex ratio. With a not so strong gender base but concrete vision, DJJS launched a yearlong nationwide mass awareness and sensitization campaign “Tu Hai Shakti” against sex selective abortions on March 27, 2016 under the banner of its gender equality program - Santulan; declaration by Hon'ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Sh. J. P. Nadda. The campaign targets to cover more than 6000 areas including villages, towns and districts in 8 states of India - Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttrakhand, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh through 77 execution points and thus sensitize lakhs of people across the country against female feticide. For an efficient conduct of campaign and attainment of promised goal, Delhi Head Office is visiting the aforementioned 8 gender critical states to train the bunch of volunteers, who would further reach out to masses to initiate gender revolution. In the same series, after Haryana, Delhi & Rajasthan, the team reached Dehradun, Uttarakhand to have a training of trainers on June 4, 2016 at Dehradun Ashram. Women volunteers from Pauri Garwal, Pithoragarh and Dehradun participated.
Statistics highlight that Uttarakhand with 72% female literacy, much above the national average of 42%, is one of the most active states in murdering its unborn daughters. This rapid increase in number of missing girls in the state bothers the balance between the status of 2 genders, leaving fairer sex’ deteriorated. The state condition is so vulnerable that Uttarakhand state commission for women has constituted groups consisting of health workers and village panchayat members to keep a watch on pregnant women through health workers’ groups to check female foeticide [Hindustan Times, February 26, 2016].
The training was moderated by Sadhvi Deepika Bharti Ji, disciple of Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji and program coordinator of Santulan. The program was set forth with lamp lighting by Honourable guests Smt. Neelam Sehgal, pradesh adhyaksh, mahila morcha BJP and Smt. Sushila Balooni, poorva adhyaksha mahila ayoga and varishth andolankari. Sadhvi Ji initiated the training with a review of problem of sex selective abortions to sensitize participants to its extent and adverse effects through illustrations and case studies. A group discussion was held between the participants where they were given a gender based newspaper cutting and asked to discuss their opinion on it. A skit to portray the message of every discriminated woman ‘I am a woman, is it a crime?’ was presented by Dehradun volunteers that left the participants stunned.
After the skit, Sadhvi Ji explained various modes of programs and activities, ways of analysis and other related things that can be organized under the campaign through an informative presentation. She also gave clarification on the queries and set misconceptions raised by attendees during the interactive session. A documentary of DJJS’ workings, particularly in gender perspective, was showcased that created the air of enthusiasm around every individual present. Towards the end, a pledge was taken by all the participants to work in harmony to establish ‘Gender Equality’, one of the many requisites of global peace.
A showcase of DJJS activities in regards to gender, particularly against female feticide was arranged after the program in the form of Santulan Haat that exhibited various organization’s endeavours towards gender equality along with handmade fabric dolls-a symbol to reiterate ‘Save Girl Child’.
