Yatra organised in Gujarat to save girl child

SURAT: At a time when girl child sex ratio in the country is getting skewed, non-government organisation Akhil Bhartiya Jeenmata Seva Sangh here recently organised a novel yatra "Save the Girl Child".

Also, a 5,000 metre long garland, prepared by 5,000 women from 73 kg cardamoms, was used in the yatra. Each woman contributed 51 cardamoms to the mala.

"At each metre, a small card opposing the killing of girl child has been placed. This is done to make people aware about the danger of female foeticide," president of Akhil Bhartiya Jeenmata Seva Sangh Sharad Khandelwal said.

He added 1,100 flags and 2,100 chunris were used and more than 10,000 people participated in the yatra, which moved from Parvat Patia to Ambica Niketan temple. This is the fourth such programme of the Sangh.

Sangh had organised a programme for the same cause in Rajasthan last year. Sangh members presented a special bhog of 5,653 food items prepared by its members living in Australia, America, New York, Florida and all the states of India.

Rekha Khandelwal, who was involved in the programme, said: "Such things are necessary for protecting girl child and maintaining balance in society. If something is not done right now, it would be too late. During this programme members took an oath to help prevent killing of girl child".