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Nir-Bhaya!


(A very old writing from my Facebook wall. Just came across it today again and thought of sharing it here.)
 
Just a few days back, on 3/3/2015, 'Juan' joined our family. And I am overwhelmed by the love and prayers shared with us by many from all across the globe. A word of thanks and gratitude from my entire family to each and every one who found time to share our joy. We really do appreciate your blessings and from the bottom of our heart we let you know that we would need your continued prayers.
 
Just as I am settling in to the joy of being father again, happened to read about the 'India's Daughter' documentary and what the men had to say about what they did to the girl on a moving bus in Delhi. I am really not amused by many of their comments. And not even by those by well educated advocate who appeared for these criminals. But the fact that these guys are not any of those Gabbar's or Mugambo's is what disturbs my mind. The part that these are just very normal people, living very ordinary lives disturbs me. And the fact that these minds are so very much infected by such thoughts about the stronger gender (Yes! You read it right!) is highly disturbing.
 
The fact that the Government of India decided to ban ' India's Daughter' is ironically just a reflection of the common mindset. Ban the Daughter. From birth. From nutrition. From education. From dreams to grow. From going out on the streets. From wearing jeans. From talking loudly. From laughing. From hanging out with friends. From feeling free. From having opinions. From having feelings. Ban her from anything and everything you can. Coz she truly is the stronger gender and if she is not beaten down in every way you can, the world will one day come to know this for sure!
I actually logged on here to share a picture of 'Juan'. But what I read about the Indian mind just disturbed my happiness. Sitting here in the hospital lobby, waiting to see my child and wife, I see lots of faces walk by. Some happy. Some sad. Some excited. Some tensed. Some worried. Some thoughtful. But one thing is common in all of us here. The Hope for a new beginning and for a better and brighter tomorrow, as a new life is being welcomed into each family. And this feeling of hope is what ties us all together to one common thread. The thread called Humanity!
Just for a moment, I feel scared! What if I had a daughter. Would I have to name her 'Nirbhaya'! And would I also have to teach her all life, to live in 'Bhaya' towards anything and everything out there. Coz its not just the Mugambo's and the Gabbar's that she should be scared of. It could just be any common man out there... It could be just any common man!
 
With the very same hope for a better and brighter future... And a strong promise that I would do what I can to make you respect human kind. Welcome Juan! Welcome!

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