Rising Threats to Girls: A Call for Vigilance and Awareness

I am perplexed by the current state of our society. Each day, new events are revealed. In one place, a girl is murdered; in another, she is assaulted. Despite the progress girls are making, the number of injustices and accidents involving them is also rising. I recently watched the movie Diplomat on Netflix with my children. It was an incredible film that gave me chills, contemplating how Indian girls can become ensnared and what their fate might be. This movie is inspired by a real-life incident.

The dedication and concern of Sushma ji as the foreign minister are portrayed excellently. This is why she is still fondly remembered, and the efforts of the Indian ambassador are also depicted well. If she were the ambassador, I would want to meet her. Watching such a film deeply affected my heart and mind, leaving me sleepless with thoughts of how many girls might be falling into the traps of such individuals. I was fortunate to be saved by my own wisdom and the diligent efforts of the Indian government (Sushma ji and the ambassador). Sadly, many might not have been able to escape.

I was still not able to recover from this film when I read about a baba from UP in the newspaper, also saw on TV how a baba has been arrested on charges of running an illegal conversion racket. He was converting poor and innocent girls by luring them. He was running an organized gang which targeted poor and Dalit girls. He used to convert them by luring them financially and showing them the dream of sending them abroad. He was getting huge funding from many Islamic countries. He used this funding to run his conversion racket and lure the girls. Not only this, he had also prepared a commando force of his youth who used to carry out the crimes at his behest.

Gratitude goes to UP ATS for apprehending the individual. The investigation is revealing numerous details. A person who began with a straightforward business established a religious group, impacting women financially, mentally, and socially under the guise of religious conversion. Many women and girls shared their distress by covering their mouths with a dupatta.

I am deeply saddened by witnessing and hearing this reality, realizing that poverty, unemployment, and certain ages contribute to girls falling in love. While love and marriage are not crimes, getting involved with the wrong boys at an inappropriate age is indeed problematic. If parents are strict, it is not their fault. Every parent loves their children, desires their well-being, and wishes for their safe marriage. I believe parents should foster a relationship with their children where they feel comfortable sharing everything. If they are interested in someone from another religion, they should not fear their parents but rather communicate with them. Parents are there to verify the truth. To achieve this, parents need to build a trusting and friendly relationship with their daughters so they can speak openly. Keep track of your children's, especially daughters', daily activities, friendships, and social media connections in a comfortable manner, without suspicion. Educate your children about religious and cultural values wisely. It is not necessary to force them into rituals but to explain religious dignity and self-respect.

They need to understand the difference between love and a love trap. If someone says not to tell family members or suggests changing religion, it indicates that the person is not genuine. Self-respect is crucial even in love; someone who takes away your identity is not love. Religion and culture are self-pride, and anyone wanting to change them does not have your best interests at heart. Religion should not be altered for love, so daughters, protect yourselves. You are a source of pride for yourself and your parents. Embrace your 'Pratibha' and guard yourself against harmful influences.