The preference of a male child over a female has been an age-old stigma not only in India but also in many parts of the world. This act of gender-selective infanticide has been the reason for millions of deaths around the world, across the cultures. Female infanticide has remained a critical concern in our country.
The act of ending the life of an infant girl reflects our mentality to look at women and the low status accorded to them. Female infanticide and foeticide are the most cruel and destructive forms of the anti-female bias that pervades "patriarchal" societies.
Euphonic cries,
resonating from a house,
made her feel happy.
But hurled glumness,
at the crowd.
A healthy young man,
standing at the door step,
looked at her in sorrow.
Then turning to his father,
dropped his sight dishonourably.
An old lady sat on the stairs,
screamed out loud, beating her bosom,
cursing the mother,
who had just given birth,
to a pretty little baby girl.
The baby continued to cry!
The milk was soon arranged,
not few drops or in a bottle,
neither from the mother’s breasts.
But as much as in litres,
in a huge round tub.
Now, the mother was in tears,
the father stood remorseful.
The old lady now sat satisfied,
for she had silenced forever,
her granddaughter –
the little one that cried, while,
the grandfather walked in pride.
Amol was recently felicitated with the Achievers Author Award 2021 (India) for his significant contribution to poetic literature, and guiding young minds for writing/understanding poetry. He also writes short fiction and takes deep interest in short film making; Amol has completed 3 short film projects till date. His 1st fiction novel titled "Headburst" will be published by the end of this year.