In India, in the last 20 years, about a million girls have been killed by their parents either before or after they were born.
Female feticide is one of the most-burning social issues prevalent in modern Indian society which will create demographic and social imbalance in the future.
In an attempt to reduce and abolish female feticide Lilavati Hospital initiated a campaign called, 'Save and Empower girl child' in 2012.
This year was the second year of the initiative. The doctors of Lilavati Hospital took a step forward on 5th February at Taj Lands End, Bandra. The event had panel discussions moderated by Dr. Kiran Coelho, Chairperson of the organising committee, singing performances by various singers, an exclusive dance performance by the team of Shiamak Davar and a ramp walk by Manish Malhotra and a few bollywood celebrities.
International day of the Girl Child has been celebrated every year on October 11 to observe the importance of the girl child, value them and to respect them.
In the panel discussion, Gul Panag, speaking about the initiative Pinkathon said, "Pinkathon is a running property that I am associated with; it’s a multicity women’s-only running event. The idea is to encourage women from all walks of life to participate in the journey where they are on their way to wellness. Why a run like this came about was because mainstream running events don’t see more than 15-18% participation of women!”
Sandeep Nath, a prominent lyricist said that, "We have to stop abortion. When we say save girl child, we save the family; when we say save the girl child we save the country, when we say save the girl child we save the world."
Sandeep Nath wrote lyrics for the save and empower girl child song which was sung by Vipen Aneja at the event.
Shilpa Shetty shared her views about the cause too.
"I would like to request people to understand that female feticide needs to stop and women need to be respected."
Ustaad MaaZilla Khan, the first woman to learn music in her gharana presented a poetry, 'The Braveheart' as a tribute to Damini whom we lost in the gangrape in Delhi. The poem was written by Minister of External Affairs Salman Khurshid.
Kiran Coelho, chairperson of the organising committee and a gynaecologist said, "Only 54 percent of girls in India are given an education, which is depriving the world of bright ideas. Without a woman one cannot have a daughter, a wife, a mother. By saving and empowering the girl child, we are saving the future of the entire humanity."
Dilip Walse Patil, guest of honour for the event and the MLA of Maharashtra said, "We openly talk about India becoming the super power and as one of the youngest countries in the world; so there is need for taking care of the girl child. I am also proud to be the father of one daughter.'
Vahida Rehman, Helen, Raju Hirani, Firoza, Mika Singh, Lucky Morani have supported the cause. Mika Singh donated Rs. 2 lakh towards the cause.
Bollywood celebrities have always come together whenever there is a social cause. This time was no different. Bollywood celebrities walked the ramp which was lead by fashion desginer Manish Malhotra. Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta, Malaika Arora Khan, Isha Kopikar, Evelyn Sharma, Mandira Bedi and many more walked the ramp.
The doctors of Lilavati hospital have pledged to have 50,000 free girl check ups in hospitals and through multiple mobile camps.
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