REPORT

On

‘Multi Faith Pilgrimage of Compassion forThe Unborn Girl Child’

From

Tankara (Gujarat) to Amritsar (Punjab)(Date: - 01st Nov 2005 to 15th Nov 2005)

Led by

Swami Agnivesh

Supported by

Mo H&FW, Govt. of India UNICEF, UNFPA, Department Of Women and Child Development

Organized by

‘Sarvadeshik Arya Pritinidhi Sabha’

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3/5, Daya Nand Bhawan, Ram Lila Ground, Asaf Ali Road,New Delhi- 100002

Table of Contents

Page

Acknowledgement … … … … … … … …Foreword by Swami Agnivesh … … … … … … …

THE GENISIS OF YATRAThe Route and Map of YATRA Movement … … … … …

1. Gujarat: i) Tankara (01-11-05) … … … … … … …ii) Surendra nagar (01-11-05) … … … … … …iii) Ahemadabad (02-11-05) … … … … … …

2. Rajasthan:i) Udaipur (03-11-05)… … … … … … …ii) Nimbalheda (04-11-05) … … … … … …iii) Ajmer (04-11-05) … … … … … … …iv) Jaipur (04-11-05) … … … … … … …v) Behror (05-11-05) … … … … … … …

3. Delhi (07-11-05) … … … … … … … … …

4. Harayana:i) Sonipat (07-11-05) … … … … … … …ii) Rohtak (07-11-05)… … … … … … …iii) Maham(08-11-05)… … … … … … …iv) Sisana (08-11-05) … … … … … … …v) Madina (08-11-05) … … … … … …vi) Hansi (08-11-05) … … … … … … …vii) Hissar (08-11-05) … … … … … … …viii) Barwala (08-11-05) … … … … … …ix) Jind (09-11-05) … … … … … … …x) Narwana (09-11-05) … … … … … …xi) Kalayat (09-11-05)… … … … … … …xii) Kaithal (09-11-05)… … … … … … …xiii) Pundari (09-11-05) … … … … … …xiv) Rajaun (09-11-05)… … … … … … …xv) Asandh (09-11-05) … … … … … …xvi) Panipat (10-11-05)… … … … … … …xvii) Gharaunda (10-11-05) … … … … … …xviii) Karnal (10-11-05) … … … … … … …xix) Kurukshetra (10-11-05) … … … … … …

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5. Punjab:i) Ambala (11-11-05)… … … … … … …ii) Fatehgarh Saheb (11-11-05) … … … … …iii) Chandigarh (11-11-05) … … … … … …iv) Roopnagar (12-11-05) … … … … … …v) Chamkaur Saheb (12-11-05) … … … … …vi) Ludhiana (12-11-05) … … … … … …vii) Fillor (13-11-05) … … … … … … …viii) Nawasahar (13-11-05) … … … … … …ix) Banga (13-11-05) … … … … … … …x) Khathar Kalan (13-11-05)… … … … … …xi) Jallandhar (13-11-05) … … … … … …xii) Kartarpur (14-11-05) … … ... … … …xiii) Jandiyala (14-11-05) … … … … … …

xiv) Amritsar (15-11-05) … … … … … …

Conclusion … … … … … … … … …

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Sarvadeshik Arya Pritinidhi Sabha, under the leadership of Swami Agnivesh the Yatra a

‘Multi Faith Pilgrimage of Compassion for the Unborn Girl Child’, Campaign against female foeticide

was launched in various places in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab from 1 st of

Nov. 2005 to 15th of Nov. 2005, started from Tankara in Gujarat and it culminated at Amritsar in Punjab.

This Yatra would not have been successful without the supports of many Religious leaders,

organizations, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and many other Individuals. So, we would like to

take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to all the people and organizations that have

supported the Yatra.

We would like to thank each and everyone by their names but it is not possible to name all of

them for the list would be too lengthy. However, we felt that without mentioning of some few names and

organizations the reports would be incomplete. Therefore, we deeply express our sincere gratitude to:

1. Shri. Arjun Singh, Honorable Union Minister (HRD Govt. of India).

2. PT. Naval Kishore Sharma, Governor of Gujarat.

3. Dr. Ambumani Ramdoss, Honorable Union Minister (Health & Family Welfare).

4. Mr. Hendrik Vander Pol, UNFPA representative (United Nation Fund).

5. Mr. Cicilio Adorna, Country Director, UNICEF.

6. Shri. P.K.Hota, Secretary- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

7. Shri. B.P.Sharma, Joint Secretary- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

8. Smt. Reva Nayyar, Secretary Women & Child Development

9. Dr. Girija Vyas, Chairperson National Commission for Women.

10. Shri. Bhupendra Singh Hooda, Chief Minister, Haryana.

11. Ch. Virender Singh, Finance Minister Haryana

12. Capt. Ajay Singh, Minister, Govt. of Haryana

13. Smt. Guru Kanwal Kaur, Minister -Social Welfare, Punjab.

14. Shri. Prithvi Raj Chauhan, Former Minister of Youth & Sports, Minister for PMO.

15. Shri. Shakil Ahmad, Director- Nehru Yuva Kendra Saghathan

16. Rev. Fr. Valson Thampu, Member -National Commission on Minority Education.

17. Maulana Mohammed Rafique Quasumi.jamaiyat-e- Islami Hind

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18. Shri. Sushil Acharya Maharaj

19. Shri. Sardar Daya Singh

20. Sadar Jogender Singh Vedanti, Jathedar Akal Takhat, Golden Temple Amritsar

21. Mr. Udai Raj Anjna, former MP Nimbahera.

22. Swami Indervesh, former MP Haryana

23. Ch. Mitrasen Sindhu, Rohtak

24. Ch. Harisingh Saini, Ex. Minister Hissar Haryana

25. Smt. Sumita Singh, MLA Karnal

26. Dr. Ram Prakash, Working President HPCC

27. Justice Pritam Pal Singh, Punjab & Haryana High Court Chandigarh

28. Shri. Satya Pal Jain Advocate, Ex. MP Chandigarh

29. Mrs. Sushma Madan, Dirctor Health Govt. of Haryana.

30. Dr. Iqbal Singh, Ex. MP Jallandhar

31. Mr. Pandhir Singh Cheema, Ex. Minister Punjab

32. Mrs.Jaspreet Kaur Talwar, IAS, DC Fatehgarh Sahib

33. Mr. Krishan Kumar IAS, DC Nawan Shahar

34. Mr. D.P.S. Nagar, IAS, DC Panipat

35. Swami Omvesh, State Minister, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh

36. Gyani Kewal Singh, Ex. Jathedar, Akal Takath Damdama Sahib

37. Prof. Manjeet Singh, Ex Jathedar, Akal Takath Anadpur Sahib

38. Mr. Hawa Singh Hooda, Advocate Genaral, Haryana

39. Mr. Lalit Bhatti, Ex. MLA, Ajmer

40. Mrs. Anjelika Lossek, Former MP, Germany

41. Mrs. Rama Mani, Geneva, Switzerland

And finally we would like to express our deep gratitude to various Dignitaries,

Religious Leaders, Eminent Speakers, Organizers in various places and all the people who

have contributed their supports in one way or the other for the success of this Yatra. We also

sincerely apologies to those whose name we could not have mentioned here.

We are also thankful to all our colleagues, office staffs for their tireless works even

weeks before the Yatra was started, without which the Yatra would not have been possible.

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(Prof. Kailash Nath Singh)

GENERAL SECRETAR

FOREWORD

Is India that is Bharat, truly a land of religion?

At first glance, the innumerable Temples, Mosques, Churches, Gurudwaras dotting

the Indian landscape definitely give us this impression that India is truly a great religious

country.

A recent survey also confirmed that we have more places of worship than all the

schools and hospitals put together.

The year round celebration of religious festivals and millions of pilgrims on a daily

basis too confirm the image of a surging religiousity. Added to all this is about a dozen

religious TV channels round the clock with tens of millions watching each everyday. When it

comes to “Gurus” preaching to their devotees, the average cost of decorated Shamiana

(canopy) would be around a million rupees daily!

All this and much more, to celebrate the outpouring religious fervour of this land. And

yet, when it comes to taking stock of the socio-cultural attitude on caste or gender issue, we

have to hang our head in shame.

In a country where the religious minded Hindus worship Goddess Lakshmi and

Goddess Sarawasti and Goddess Durga and Goddes Annapurna and Muslims venerate Hazrat

Fatima while Christians revere Mother Mary and the Sikhs regard Mata Guzari (Mother of

Guru Govind Singhji) as holy, millions of unborn girl children are brutally done to death and

then thrown down the drain for the simple reason that the unborn child has been found to be

(through ultrasound machines) a female and not a male child!

The followers of Guru Nanak who exhorted his disciples saying- “So Kyon Manda

Akhiye, Jit Janme Rajan” (how can you degrade a woman who gives birth to kings?) would

feel ashamed when told that Sikhs top the list of those who practice female foeticide. The

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Jains who pride in their religion of “Ahimsa Parmo Dharma” (nonviolence as the hight

creed) are not far behind in this despicable deed of selective elimination of girl child.

The vast majority of Hindus who ritually worship Goddess Laskmi & Sarawasti and

Durga and so on, never like to stop for a moment to ask themselves this simple question-

How come we who worship the stone or clay made idol of our Goddess but when greed or

fear of Dowry takes over, we kill the Godsent real Lashmi, Sarawasti and Durga in the

womb?

Nothing can explain the fact that today India is the country with the largest number of

female foeticides in the world than that we are religious in false ritualistic sense only and

seldom in true religious sense.

It was this soul searching and self-criticism in the face of this horrendous scourge of

female foeticide that some of us (religious reformers and leaders) took upon ourselves the

onerous task of spiritual awakening from Gujarat to Punjab, from Tankara to Amritsar, from

1st Nov. to 15 Nov., from the day of Diwali to the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev.

All of us who came from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Bahai,

Kabir Panthi or any other background got together to spearhead a movement of mass

awakening urging people to realize the suicidal sin in selectively aborting the girl child.

It was a humble first step. We had no illusion that in one march we will overcome the

anti girl child attitude or be able to convince all young men against demanding any dowry

etc. But the response we received was overwhelming. More than men and women, it was

school children and youth who virtually descended on the streets to welcome and join the

marchers. It has strengthened our resolve to go further and deeper on these issues to address

all problems covering gender injustice and sacredness of all life.

The epochal march joined in by some 200 eminent socio-religious, cultural activists

of Multi religious background and conviction has already triggered a chain positive reaction.

In most parts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana Chandigarh and Punjab, it has catalysed a

new and healthy debate in our country.

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Among other things, this march received a very encouraging response from our

Central & State Governments, from UNFPA & UNICEF. This partnership between the State

and the Civil society became possible by the support from a youthful visionary Union Health

Minister Dr. Ambumani Ramdoss and his team of dedicated officers.

We look forward to many more of such civil society initiatives in partnership with

Governments and UN bodies.

This particular initiative of the Civil- religious society has reconfirmed our belief that

social issues cannot be tackled through high profile seminars and corporate cultured NGO’s

or through simple beauracratic approach. We have to go the masses and communicate in their

language, in their idioms & through their symbols. The grassroots faith based organizations

can articulate the progressive stance of their religion in a more contextualised manner and

bring about a change of the mindset.

From 2.5 million missing girls in 1991 to 3.5 million missing girls in 2001, it could be

any where between 4 to 5 million missing in 2006. The spectre is haunting. The task is very

very daunting. Let us not waste a minute. Let each one of us speak up for someone so

voiceless. Let each one of us stand up for someone so defenseless. Let us commit ourselves to

God of compassion and save the unborn girl child, ensure her the right to be born, to equal

love, affection and opportunities and last but not the least- equal dignity all her life.

(Swami Agnivesh)

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THE GENISIS OF YATRA

The results of census 2001 disturbed the social and demographic balance in the country where

only 927 females were found per 1000 males. This wide gap in the sex ratio was an alarm for the

demographic pattern of the country in coming times. This was primarily due to elimination of girls in

the womb.

Every religion in the world condemns killing of embryo in the womb. Earlier in many parts of

world, including India there was a practice of female infanticide where the girl was killed just after the

birth. But with advancement of scientific techniques and globalization, the practice of female foeticide

grew rapidly. India a country of female worship became the first in practicing female foeticide due to

availability of sex selective techniques.

The sharp fall in the sex ratio was noticed in 1991 census when the sex ratio went down to 945

girls per 1000 boys estimating 2.5 million girls missing in the country. This was the first time when the

Govt. of India realized the damage and introduced PNDT (Pre-Natal Determination Test) Act in 1994,

but the implementation of the Act was not so stringent. Female foeticide in many parts of the country

became a regular practice and the gap, which were 2.5 million missing girls swelled to 3.5 million

missing girls in 2001 with 927 girls per 1000 boys. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

amended the PNDT Act to check the female foeticide. But results were fruitless.

Besides making the Act more stringent, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. A.

Ramdoss urged religious leaders to come forward with their preaching to save the girl child. This was

for the first time when a minister from the Government requested religious leaders to lend their helping

hand in resolving the National Crises.

The Arya Samaj, a world wide proactive spiritual movement started in 1875 by a great reformer,

Swami Dayanand and which is dedicated towards the establishment of an ‘Egalitarian Society’ based on

the Universal Vedic Values of Equality, Truth, Love, Compassion & Justice vowed to combat this evil

of female foeticide. As Swami Agnivesh, President of World Council of Arya Samaj (Sarvadeshik Arya

Pritinidhi Sabha) puts it: “What could be better way of setting out to eradicate the practice of foeticide

and infanticide other than to organize, mobilize and galvanize all sections of society against this

scourge?”

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The Sarvadeshik Arya Pritinidhi Sabha, New Delhi, under chairmanship of Swami Agnivesh

held a meeting with all religious leaders on 25th of August 2005. The purpose of meeting was to gather

all Multi Faith Religious Leaders on one platform and discuss the seriousness of the issue. Swami

Agnivesh proposed to initiate awareness campaigns against female feticide. The campaign namely,

Multi Faith Pilgrimage of Compassion comprised religious leaders from all faiths. The meeting was

extremely successful and resulted in the genesis of the unprecedented glorious “SARVA DHARMA

JAN CHETANA YATRA”. It was decided that the campaign will cover 5 critical states where the sex

ratio is very low namely Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab.

THE ROUTE AND MAP OF YATRA MOVEMENT

Map of the YATRA, 1st Nov. to 15th Nov. 2005

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Route of the YATRA, 1st Nov. to 15th Nov. 2005

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Date Departure Arrival Night Halt Approx. Distance

01-11-05 Yatra begins from Tankara

Surendra Nagar 150 KM

02-11-05 Surendra Nagar Ahemdabad via Himmat Nagar

Ahemdabad 130 KM

03-11-05 Ahemdabad Udaipur Udaipur 250 KM04-11-05 Udaipur

Ajmer via Nimbaheda, Chittorgarh, Byavar

Ajmer 280 KM

05-11-05 Ajmer Behror via Jaipur Behror 130 KM

06-11-05 Behror Delhi Delhi 134 KM

07-11-05 Delhi to Rohtak via Sonipat Rohtak 120 KM

08-11-05 Rohtak Jind via Maham, Haansi, Hisar, Barwala

Jind 150 KM

09-11-05 Jind Panipat via Narwana, Kaithal, Kalayat, Asandl

Panipat 150 KM

10-11-05 Panipat Ambala via Karnal, Kurukshetra, Yamuna Nagar,

Ambala 200 KM

11-11-05 Ambala

Chandigarh viaFatehgarh Saheb

Chandigarh 45 KM

12-11-05 Chandigarh Ludhiana Via Roopnagar, Chamkaur Saheb

Ludhiana120 KM

13-11-05 Ludhiana to Jallandhar via Fillour, Nawasahar, Fagwada

Jalandhar 120 KM

14-11-05 Jalandhar Amritsar Via Kartarpur

Amritsar 80 KM

15-11-05 Sankalp Diwas at Historical Jallianwalabagh, Amritsar

1. GUJARAT

i) Tankara: (01-11-05)

The Yatra started on 1st Nov.2005, from Tankara in Gujarat on the auspicious occasion of

Dipawali, Lakshmi Pujan and Maharshi Dayanand Nirvan Divas (Death anniversary). Tankara Gujarat

happens to be the birthplace of Founder of Arya Samaj, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati. Thousands of

Hindus and Muslims gathered at Tankara despite the day of an important festival of Hindus and holy

month of Ramzan for Muslim respectively. People from both communities participated in a Yagna,

organized in the memory of unborn girls. A huge crowd of around twelve thousand people assembled in

Tankara out of which 60% were women. Apart from Swami Agnivesh, Renowned Saints from Gujarat,

Swami Sachinandji, Jain Guru Muni Lokprakash Lokesh, Shri Jagdish Das from Kabeer Panth and

Swami Dharm Bandhu were present. Other dignitaries present were Shri. Dhroovkumar – Erstwhile

King of Mauravi, Bagchi Bhai Vod, Harunbhai from Jam Nagar, Fr. Bari from Rajkot and former MP of

Green Party from Germany Mrs. Anjalika Lusaka.

ii) Surendra Nagar (01-11-05)

At Surendra Nagar local felicitators organized a public meeting of Patel Community in which

incidences of female infanticide were high.

iii) Ahemadabad: (02-11-05)

The Yatra was flagged off for Ahmedabad on 2nd of November 2005, where the ‘KUCH

KADAWA PATEL SAMAJ’ in which organized a convention were more than one thousand people

present. Swami Agnivesh and Shri. Satyawrat Samvedi who inspired the gathering to come forward to

save the girl child addressed the convention. On morning 3rd November, the Governor of Gujarat His

Excellency Pandit Naval Kishore Sharma felicitated the Yatra. The Governor lauded the efforts of

Swami Agnivesh to curb the evil of female foeticide and said that it was the duty of every citizen in this

country to protest against female foeticide, female infanticide and all forms of gender discrimination

which amount to violence against women. His Excellency Governor of Gujarat welcomed all religious

leaders and commended their participation in the social issue. He wished success to the Yatra. In this

meeting thousands of people from Patel Community took pledged to eliminate the practice of female

foeticide in their area. Apart from these two major functions many other public meetings were

organized in Ahmedabad.

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2. RAJASTHAN

i) Udaipur: (03-11-05)

On 3rd of December 2005, the Yatra reached Udaipur in the evening where it took the shape of

a rally and marched from Town Hall to Delhi gate, Collectorate, Chetek circle, Hatipur and Ashvini

Bazar and reached Bank Tiraha. The Bohra Muslim Community, Jhule Lal Seva Samati, Gurudwara

Sachkand Darbar, Bilochistan Panchayat, Mahila Jagrati Manch and many other social and religious

organizations, supported the rally.

The rally was presided over by Dr. Girja Vyas, the Chairperson of National Commission for

Women, Govt. of India who commended the mission of the Yatra and assured Swami Agnivesh that the

National Commission for Women would extend its wholehearted support to save the girl child. She said

that in Mewad women have always being given respect. Great women like Meera Bai, Pannadhai and

Rani Padamavati have contributed to the glory of Rajasthan. While addressing the rally Swami

Agnivesh said, “No Law can stop the practice the female foeticide because the problem is placed firmly

in mindset of people. So, the need of the hour is to initiate a powerful campaign against this social evil.

Swami Agnivesh also mentioned the inhuman practice of “SATI” prevailed in Rajasthan and said that to

empower women of Rajasthan and to eliminate all forms of domestic and societal violence against

women, we must start reforming the social mindset”.

The spokesperson of Bohra Youth Institute and Dawudi Samaj, Mr. Hussain Udaipuri

announced the wholehearted support to the Yatra and said that Female Foeticide is a heinous offence.

A cultural programme was presented by the Dal Milap Kala Sansthan, registered under the Song

and Drama Division Bhopal to create awareness among the masses on this issue. Representatives from

the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, accompanied throughout the Yatra. A

Prachar Rath of the Ministry equipped with films, posters and publicity material against the Female

Foeticide joined the Yatra at the Border of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

ii) Nimbaheda: (04-11-05)

Shri. Udayaraj Anjana Ex. MP welcomed the Yatra at Nimbaheda. He also organized Id-Millan,

reception to religious leaders by Muslims of Nimbaheda in solidarity with the mission.

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iii) Ajmer: (04-11-05)

The evening of 4th November 2005 was the day of Id when the Yatra reached Ajmer, the holy

place of Pushkar and Darghai of Khwaja Muinnuddin Chisti. Several Organizations of Ajmer welcomed

Yatra at Moiniya Islamia School. At Station Road Ajmer the Yatra was felicitated by the Railway

Employees Union. From Station Road, the Yatra in the form of rally marched to various areas of the

city and reached Jawahar Ranagmanch where it converted to a huge public meeting. Many enlightened

citizens, representatives of several social and religious organizations participated in this public meeting.

Some of the important organizations and representatives present were:

Peoples Union For Civil Liberties,

Lions Club Roshni,

Gareeb Nawaj Sufi Mission Society,

Gareeb Nawaj Women and Child Welfare Committee,

Majzoor Kisan Shakti Organization,

Father John Carvalo from Christian community,

Sardar S.S. Oberay from Sikhs community,

Chief Medical Officer, Rajasthan

Officers from Health and Family Welfare Department, Rajasthan.

Speaking on the occasion Ex. MLA Shri. Lalit Bhati said, “The country in which the mother

land and the mother is considered superior than the heaven, nobody can imagine the prevalence of

female foeticide which is the outcome of medical and technological development”. Despite the grand

festival of Id Million, the administration of Ajmer Dargah organized boarding and lodging for the

participants of Yatra.

iii) Jaipur: (04-11-05)

The Sarvadharma Jan Chetna Yatra arrived Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan where around 25,000

people including NGOs, Religious Leaders and School Kids joined the rally. They displayed emotional

slogans, which laid emphasis on elimination of discrimination against women and decreasing sex ratio

in Rajasthan. At present there are only 909 women for 1000 men in state. It gave loud and clear

message to the society to fight against female foeticide, infanticide and child marriage.

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The rally started from Tol Naka, where Swami Agnivesh, Diocese Bishop Luis, City’s Chief

Qazi Khalit Usmani and hundreds of Social Organizations, Women and Children participated.

The marcher’s distributed pamphlets along the routs to spread awareness against female

foeticide and infanticide.

Addressing to the meeting, Swami Agnivesh said, “ Every section of society and every religion

should join hand to fight against female foeticide and infanticide and just laws can’t prevent this evil in

the society.”

Chief Medical Officer and other Senior Officials of Rajasthan, Sarpanchs of various Panchayats

and hundreds of citizens welcomed the Yatra near Dudu. While proceeding towards the town the

marchers were greeted with showers of flowers and drumbeats. Having a round of the city the Yatra

finally reached Ramniwas Bagh. Several organizations felicitated to the participants. Some of them

were:

Arya Samaj Adarsh Nagar,

Mahila Arya Samaj Adarsh Nagar,

Pratinidhi Sabha,

Christian Community,

Family Planning Association of India,

Rashtriya Muslim Mahila Association,

Rajasthan Samagra Seva Sangh,

Citizen’s Council, Jaipur,

Majdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan,

Rajapark Vyapaar Mandal,

Department of Health and Family Planning, Rajasthan,

Jamaete-Islami-Hind,

National Federation of Indian Movement,

PUCL, Jaipur,

Rashtriya Yuva Sangathan,

Gayatri Pariwar,

Vividha,

Rajasthan Kisaan Union,

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Baudh Mahasabha,

Rajasthan Sikh Samaj,

Vedic Kanya Degree College Rajapark,

Vedic Kanya Degree College, Mansarover,

DAV, School, Barafkhana,

Vedic Kanya Senior Secondary School, Rajapark,

Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Govt. Of India etc.

Apart from religious leaders Government Officials, and Enlightened Citizens from various parts

of India, concerned guests from all over the world were also marching among whom some prominent

names are Smt. Rama Mani from Geneva, Anjelika Lusaka from Germany, Kerelon from South Africa,

and Deeta from Holland.

Jaipur might have never experienced such magnificent rally stretching to three kilometers and

comprising a galaxy of leaders, preachers and followers of every religion namely- Hindu, Muslim,

Christians, Bohras, Buddhists and Sikhs.

People were carrying posters, banners, and placards with emotional slogans:

“Kanya ka hai kaun rakshak,jab janmadata bana bhakshak Kanyaheen yadi hua jahan,Saari

srishti ho bejaan.”

The tableaus displayed by Family Planning Association of India depicting several messages on

female foeticide were main attraction of the rally. At Bari Chaupar, a huge crowd waited to greet the

participants. Rev. Bishop Oswald Lewis said, “They were motivating people belonging to Christian

Community to take up a fight against female foeticide”. Rev. Bishop Oswald Lewis also remembered

contribution of Swami Dayanand Saraswati for reforming the Hindu Society and uprooting social evils

like Sati and female foeticide.

Shri. Saleem Engineer, President Jamayat-e –Islami, condemned the killing of unborn girl child.

iv) Behror: (05-11-05)

On reaching Behror, the Yatra was received by hundreds of residence of Behror at Higher

Secondary School. There was a huge public meeting, which was addressed by Religious Leaders

16

marching with the Yatra. The Alwar Unit of Song and Drama Division presented very inspiring

performances on the issue. Yatra stayed over night at Behror.

Swami Agnivesh and all Religious Leaders thanked Shri. Rangarao, Chairman of Bar Council,

Behror for organizing the meeting.

3. DELHI: (06-11-05)

On 6th of November 2005, will be marked as day of honour in the history of Socio Religious

Activism when Dr. A Ramdoss, Minister for Health and Family Welfare welcomed Religious Gurus

and other marchers of Yatra in a Felicitation Ceremony jointly organized by Ministry of Health and

Family Welfare, Government of India and Sarvedishik Arya Pritinidhi Sabha, at

Mavalankar Auditorium New Delhi. Honorable Minister

Dr. A.Ramdoss was the Chief Guest and Swami Agnivesh

presided over the function. Other important dignitaries

were renowned Gandhian Leader and Member Rajyasabha,

Ms. Nirmala Deshpende, Rev. Fr. Valson Thampu,

Maulana Rafiq Quasmi from Jamayate Islam-e-Hind,

Jain Muni Lokprakash Lokesh, Acharya Sushilji, and

Sardar Bhai Daya Singh, Country Director of UNICEF,

Cicelio Adorna, Secretary of Health and Family Welfare

Shri. P.K. Hota, Secretary, AYUSH Smt. Uma Pille and Director General Health Shri. K.P.

Shrivastav.

Dr. A Ramdoss, Health and Family Welfare Minister Govt. of India:

Expressing his concern over declining girl child sex ratio, Health and Family Welfare Minister

Dr. Ambumani Ramdoss said that the Government has proposed setting of

surveillance cells and conducting sting operation all over the country to

check female foeticide. The surveillance cells will have senior retired

police, legal and medical experts as consultants. The cell will also help the

states in conducting sting operations to nab the culprits. Pregnant women

will not be harassed but treated with compassion and as innocent.

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Sex Ratio of NCT Delhi

S.No District 1991 2001Change in Points

1 North West 913 854 -592 South West 904 845 -593 West 913 858 -554 North 920 870 -505 East 918 868 -50

6 North East 917 867 -507 New Delhi 919 882 -378 Central 937 902 -359 South 915 865 -26

Entire State 915 865 -50

Dr. Ramdoss said, “The amendment PNDT Act, now has enough stringent provisions to prohibit

the perpetration of the heinous crime with imprisonment and fine”. The Honorable Minister also

thanked Swami Agnivesh for taking up noble cause of saving girls in the country and said the issue of

female foeticide was not only a health issue but a social issue which has been imbibed in the society for

centuries and was not possible to change over night.

He congratulated Swami Agnivesh and other religious leaders for the wonderful Yatra and

hoped that the issue would be tackled at the root of each and every individual in the society with

preaching of religious leaders who have been enlightening and educating the public and leading by

example cutting across all the caste in all the religion. In an overwhelming gesture he said that the

Ministry was proud to be associated with Yatra and assured more confluence of religious leaders and

religious committees to give out the social message.

Reacting to the rapid disappearance of girls, the Honorable Minister gave an example of a

village in UP where literally six men fought for one girl, because there were not any girls in the village.

He wondered whether we are going back to days of Mahabharata where 5 men will marry one girl.

He admitted some lacuna in PNDT Act and promised that it would be made more stringent and

punitive. He requested Swami Agnivesh to organize more campaigns all over the country.

Swami Agnivesh:

Swami Agnivesh added how the concept of Yatra against female foeticide emerged and took

shape of an unprecedented Multi Faith Religious Campaign, “We Religious

top leaders of Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Sikhs set out and every

body joined in the way we were addressing the few problems of female

foeticide but indirectly a greater degree of religious harmony, religious

tolerance and tolerance for the betterment of our society. A Unity of

purpose emerged when we were talking together, sharing together and this

created a new bond of togetherness among us and that itself has been

wonderful fallout of this march. It was a very positive approach to

communal Harmony.”

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Swami Agnivesh hailed efforts of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for taking up initiatives

to incorporate services of religious leaders in solving social problems for the first time. Swami Agnivesh

congratulated Honorable Minister for showing the courage in welcoming religious leader’s participation

in the initiative of the march along with the Government of India and its various branches and

departments.

While expressing his gratitude’s to other partners of Yatra he further said, “we saw this unique

opportunity coming up from my good friends, the Country Director of UNICEF, Cecelio Adorna, we

have been very good friends but this is first time when we are joining hands. The UNICEF and Arya

Samaj and all the other Religious Leaders, the UNFPA extended its hand of solidarity. The joint ventures

are known only in the field of business trade commerce and industry but for Social Change, Social

Reformation, and Social Transformation. This comes as a unique opportunity, which is responsible for

that, not the lawmakers, we are responsible”.

He expressed his concern over humbug religiosity and said, “The country or the people of society

cannot afford the superstitious, discriminatory religiosity anywhere. So that is one reason why we came

forward.”

While throwing light on Geneses of Yatra, Swami Agnivesh said, “I feel so enthused to tell you

that on 25th of August 2005, when I invited Jain Saint Muni Lok Prakash Lokesh, Sushil Maharaj ji, Bhai

Daya Singh ji, Fr. Valson Thampu, and my good friend Md. Rafique Quasmiji and others, to my simple

place and discussed could we take up this challenge, the Health Minister has called for? Each one of

them responded saying, ‘Yes’.”

Reacting to the encouraging response from Honorable Minister of Health and Family Welfare

Swamiji said, “We felt so enthused and encouraged when we met him first time in his office. We had a

firm belief that there is a real Health Minister, who is ready to break any dogmatic approach about the

Government and says ‘no’ to it. If the ministry invites religious leaders to march and go from house to

house, from village to village, from place to place and create that social climate and condition so that the

mind-set of people is changed the problem of ‘missing girls’ in our country will definitely resolved. And

that is why we came forward”.

19

Referring to the overwhelming response from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Swami

Agnivesh hailed the endeavors of Shri. P. K Hota, the Secretary Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

who extended his hand of solidarity along with his team of competent officers with the mission.

Ms. Nirmala Deshpande:

Ms. Nirmala Deshpande, a renowned Gandhian leader and Member of Parliament Rajyasabha,

while addressing the gathering said, “It was a strange coincident that the parents who rear their children

never thought of saving the girl child but a Sanyansi like Swami Agnivesh initiated measures to save the

girl child of this country. I think this is indication from the God that the leaders of all religious and

Gurus should come forward to support the Government in saving the unborn girl child.” Ms. Deshpande

commended role played by great women in the history of the country. She said, “by eliminating the girl

child in the womb we are preventing women like, Gargi and Maitrayee the great Vedic Scholars,

Lakshmi Bai Rani of Jhansi, Alilyabai, Rani of Chittoor Chennamma and Awanti Bai to take birth.”

Mr. Cicelio Adorna:

Mr. Cicelio Adorna quoting the example of his native place where

women and girls are referred as light of the home expressed his grave

concern towards the problem of female foeticide. While asserting his

commitment to the cause, Mr. Adorna said, “It is for the mentally, morally,

socially and every thing is wrong about having unborn girl child. And this

is why the Voice of United Nations, UNFPA, UNICEF and other bodies,

join this strong movement. The practice of female foeticide is

fundamentally wrong, our aspiration together should be that the Yatra

marks the day of zero tolerance against the unborn girl child.”

He suggested very strongly that a zero tolerance should be there in the law, in the policing, in the

community, among the religious leaders, among parents, and among all us towards the female foeticide.

Thanking Swami Agnivesh for his noble endeavor, Mr. Adorna said, “The fight to save the girl

child and unborn girl is going to be very long, we will win the fight.”

Mr. Cicilio Adorna assured to extend all help to Swami Agnivesh.

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Rev. Fr.Valson Thampu:

Rev. Fr. Valson Thampu applauded the efforts of Swami Agnivesh

and in a very emotive speech he said, “By initiating the Multi Faith Yatra,

Swami Agnivesh has tried to put names on the millions of faceless girls

who did not disappeared but were wiped out.”

Rev. Fr. Valson Thampu strongly condemned deeds of religious

leaders in misguiding general masses for gender discrimination in the name

of religion.

He thanked Honorable Health Minister for having courage to invite Religious Gurus to be

associated with the Ministry. For permanent solution to the problem of unborn girl child, he requested

Honorable Minister to make the campaign against female feticide, a continuous affair. Fr. Valson

Thampu reasserted that the issue of female feticide must touch the bosom of people of the country and

the Yatra should move on the hearts of people.

Maulana Raffiq Qasmi from Jamate Islami Hind:

Reminding crusade led by Prophet Mohammad to save new born girls from killing Maulan

Raffiq said that in holy Quran men and women are given equal status and if

anybody discriminates on gender bias he is found guilty. While quoting

verses from Quran Maulana Quasmi warned masses of the grave situation

towards which the country is heading. He said, “Today if we kill the girl

from where we will get Mother, Sister or Daughter tomorrow? From where

will we get a sister to tie Rakhi on the wrist of the brother? Not only this,

the declining trend in the sex ratio will lead to scarcity of women for

marriages.”

Maulana Quasmi declared the full support from his community to Swami Agnivesh.

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Jain saint Muni Lokkprakash Lokesh:

While praising the efforts of Swami Agnivesh, the Jain Muni was

confident that the Yatra would certainly change the mindsets of masses

towards the status of girl child in the society. He commended solidarity

shown by all the religious leaders marching with Yatra as they were doing

an unprecedented service towards the humanity. He said that the Yatra

symbolized as a constructive mission, which will bring positive results in

the coming future.

Acharya Sushil Maharaj:

Acharya Sushil Maharaj condemned the practice of female foeticide prevailed in the country and

quoted verses from Holy Scriptures of Hindu’s. He said, “According to scripture, no crime is greater

than the abortion of a child and provides no opportunity for penance.” He congratulated Swami

Agnivesh for initiating the dialogue on the serious issue of the existence and dignity of women.

Achrayaji requested the gathering presented in the Auditorium to take up a vow to eradicate the

problem of female foeticide from the society. He said that this Yatra would send the message all over the

country that female foeticide is a gravies sin.

Bhai Daya Singh:

Bhai Daya Singh from Sikh Community quoted a verse from Guru Granth Sahiab, which said

“How can we discriminate or demean a women, who gives birth to Kings, Brave Soldiers, Prophets and

Divine Personalities?” He also mentioned edicts by Guru Nanak not to have any marital or social

relationships with such families, which used to be involved in female infanticide.

Words Of Thanks:(By Shri Jagveer SingH)

Shri. Jagveer Singh, the Coordinator of the Campaign and President of Savadeshik Arya Yuvak

Parishad proposed words of thanks to all the Eminent Speakers, the Dignitaries and all the Participants in

the meeting. He said, “Female foeticide is not an ordinary issue, it is a very sensible issue which is

amounting to misbalance of the demographic pattern of the country. The Sarvadeshik Arya Pritinidhi

Sabha will exhaust its whole strength to eliminate the evil of discrimination against girl child.”

22

He assured Honorable Minister of Health and Family Welfare that in coming future the Sabha

will organize more campaigns in the remote parts of the country. Mr. Jagveer Singh thanked all the

dignitaries for having their participation and concern towards this noble cause. He thanked Ministry of

Health and Family Welfare, Department of Women and Child, UNICEF and UNFPA for their support to

the campaign.

He also thanked Song and Drama Division Govt. of India for presenting a cultural programme on

female feticide.

The felicitation ceremony ended with a candle light march led by Swami Agnivesh in memory of millions of

unborn girls.

4. HARAYANA

On the morning of 7th November 2005, Yatra marched towards Harayana. The first halt was at

Sonipat where the Yatra was welcomed by an overwhelming crowd, next stations were Rohtak,

Khargoda, Sisana, Humayun Pur, Bhalot, Bhu Akbarpur, Madina, Kharkada, Mehem, Hansi, Hissar,

Barwala, Jind, Kharkhad, Baroda, Uchana, Narvana, Kalayat, Khaithal, Panipat, Karnal, Kurushetra and

Ambala, where several public meetings and rallies were held to aware thousands and thousands people.

i) Sonipat (07-11-05)

In Sonipat the Yatra was received at Khargoda, from where it took shape of a procession

covering major parts of the city it assembled at Girls Degree College. More then 3000 girls were present

there apart from the large gathering of marchers. They shouted the slogans in favour of saving the girl

child and promised Swamiji to work for the issue.

Swami Agnivesh addressed the gathering and other prominent speakers were, Haji Shahahuddia

Sardar Nirmal Singh, Rev. Fr. I.P. Mann, Manohar Lal Chawla, Former Minister Shanti Rathi, Shri.

Rajendra Singh Chahal, and other important dignitaries like Mrs. Usha Katariya, Secretary of the

College and President of Block Congress Shri. Suresh Thekedar, Shri. Kuldeep Pahalwan and Vaidya

Tavachand Arya. Dr. Seema Dahiya compered the programme.

23

From Khargoda the Yatra proceeded to another school called Pratap High School, where

Principal of the College, Shri Dharam Prakash Arya, welcomed the Yatra and around 2000 Students

of the college took pledge to eliminate the female feticide problem.

Further the Yatra moved to Rohtak, where Shri. Kuldeep Singh organized a public meeting

and here Fr. Valson Thampu joined the Yatra. Swami Agnivesh and other Religious Leaders also

exchanged their views regarding female feticide and infanticide. It is also noticed that central Haryana is

the worst affected state as techno-doc. take their machines in the village itself.

Elders of the villages who assembled in the gathering assured their full supports to Swami

Agnivesh in his mission to fight against female foeticide, infanticide and other various social evils

against women.

Swami Agnivesh addressed in the meeting in the old Civil Hospital’s grounds, he chided

religious leaders for failure to create social awareness among people against social evils like foeticide,

which had reached, alarming stage in the country, particularly in Punjab and Haryana. “If this trend

continued, neither Dharma nor Society will be saved,” he said.

Later talking to media persons, Swami Agnivesh pointed out that there were over 30,000

Ultrasound units in the country and, according to the reports, 70 to 80 lacks cases of foeticide were being

reported every year in the country.

Ms. Anjolica Lusaak, Former MP from Germany, who is accompanying the Yatra, said that the

Indian Culture influenced her so much and a movement against foeticide was the need of the hour. She

welcomed the initiative taken by Arya Samaj Leaders in this regard.

( Sources:The tribune, 7 Nov. Sonipat)

i) Rohtak (07-11-05)

The Yatra received an overwhelming welcome at Rohtak by more then 5000 boys and girls

assembled at Sir Chotu Ram Memorial Sports Stadium. The Girl’s wing of NCC presented guard of

honour to Swami Agnivesh. From stadium, the Yatra comprising thousands of marchers moved towards

Delhi Gate where it converted into a grand public meeting. The meeting was presided over by Veteran

24

Arya Samaj’s Leader and former MP Swami Indravesh. While addressing the gathering, Swami

Agnivesh called masses to raise their voice against doctors who were violating PNDT Act.

Other prominent citizen who addressed the gathering was Shri. Mitra Sen Sindhu, Recipient of

Rashtriya Krishi Pandit award and proprietor of a Hindi daily Haribhoomi, Shri. Sohan Lal, Shri.

Jagbeer Malik Gayari Arya, Pratibha Suman and Mrs. Sumitra.

ii) Meham: (08-11-05)

A road show depicting messages to eliminate female feticide was organized at Meham. Here

Swami Dalel Giri organized reception for the Yatra.

iii) Sisana: (08-11-05)

Sisana is another big village, which is the head quarter of Sarvakhap Panchayat (apex panchayat)

of 45 village of a dominant Dahiya Community. In this unique occasion, representatives of 45 villages

were present. Swami Agnivesh, Fr. Valson Thampu, Haji Shahabuddin, Sardar Nirmal Singh, Rev. Fr. I

P Mann and many other local dignities addressed this gathering.

Shri. Ram Singh and Shri. Ram Niwas organized the public meeting, at Sisauna. While moving

towards major town of Rohatak, the Yatra had a little halt at a small village called Bhalot, where Shri.

Ajit Singh Shastri, Sri. Rajesh Kumar and hundreds of villagers welcomed the Yatra and applauded the

mission. They promised Swami Agnivesh that they would carry his massage to save the girl child.

iv) Madina: (08-11-05)

At Madina a very hamlet on the road side only the road show could be organized.

v) Hansi: (08-11-05)

Hansi is a town Rohtak district a grand welcome to Yatra was organized in SD Girl College

where more than 3500 girls were holding emotional slogans against elimination of girl child foeticide

and infanticide. While addressing girls students in the college, Swami Agnivesh motivated them to take

pledge to fight against the social evil and save the girl to save the country. He said, “ Women is

25

worshiped in form of Lakshmi, Durga and Sarasvati but in reality people are killing the goddess who is a

girl.

Other dignitaries present were Rev Fr. Valson Thampu, Principal of the college Dr. Balbir Kaur,

Chief of management committee, Vasudev Goel, Prakash Gupta and Krishna Babbar.

Before assembling at S.D. Women College, a rally was taken by students of Women College in

the town. Dy Regional Manager, Indian Railway Shri.Satish Jain, flagged off the rally.

The college organized a debate competition and a poster competition on problem of female

foeticide. Swami Agnivesh gave away the prizes to winners.

vi) Hissar: (08-11-05)

Yatra received splendid welcome on reaching Hissar. Nearly 150 youths on the motorcycle

escorted Yatra to the city. It took shape of a long procession. Crisscrossed and reached Ramlila ground

where it converted into a huge public meeting. Swami Agnivesh expressed his concern over the

status of Haryana in terms of sex- ratio, which is the lowest in the country. He said religious leaders

from all faith must come forward to register their participation in saving the girl child. He emphasized

on constructive role to be played by religious leaders in solving this national crisis. They should

encourage girls to perform last rights of their parents in case of absence of sons.

In Hissar the reception of the Yatra was very pompous as elephants drumbeaters, motorcycles,

NCC cadets and locals carrying pamphlets and distributing pamphlets escorted it. The Industrial

Association of Hissar led by its General Secretary Shri. Jagdish Jindal felicitated Swami Agnivesh and

fellow religious leaders. Hundreds of businessmen assembled in the public meeting and took pledge to

raise their voices against this inhuman act.

Shri. Badloo Ram, Chairperson of district council of Arya Samaj played an important role in

organizing awareness campaign in Hissar. Shri Mohan Shyam, Jagdish Siwar, Mahendra Singh Arya

Bajrag Lal, Sabe Singh and Hoshiyar Singh exclaimed in organizing public meeting.

26

vii) Barwala: (08-11-05)

Yatra reached Barwala, a small town where it was welcomed by famous social worker and

renounced doctor. Anand Ram and Shri. Dharamveer organized the meeting in the hospital campus to

aware locals as well as doctors and nurses.

viii) Jind: (09-11-05)

Jind is a prominent industrial town in Haryana. Yatra reached here in the evening and a public

meeting was organized in the night. Hundreds of local citizens welcome marchers with loud cheer and

shouting slogans. The public meeting was convened by Shri.Ramdhari Shasti and presided by Swami

Agnivesh, Swami Varunvesh, Dr. Prachi Arya, Shri. Ranbeer, District Counselor Jind addressed the

gathering.

On 9th Nov. 2005, in the morning, a public campaign was organized in Indus Public School at

Jind. Other School like DAV High School, Choturam Kissan College also joined the campaign. More

then 2000 students took pledge to eradicate female feticide. After the programme, Yatra comprising

buses, cars, motorcycles headed towards next destination Khal Khar.

Before reaching Narwana, another big town, where the Yatra covered Uchana and Mandi

hundreds of supporter expressed their solidarity to Swami Agnivesh.

ix) Narwana: (09-11-05)

In Narwana, the Yatra took a shape of a huge rally. Thousands of school children came with

catchy slogans, banners and placards. The rally reached Jagannath Girls High School where Shri. Ram

Kumar Arya, the organizers welcomed religious leaders.

x) Kalayat: (09-11-05)

The Yatra proceeded towards Kalayat in afternoon. A big meeting was organized at Kapil Kanya

Mahavidyala, in which hundreds of girls and local residents were present. Swami Agnivesh along with

other religious leaders requested the audience to spread the message of compassion and social

responsibility to save the girl child. Shri. Darshan Singh Malkheri and Balbir Singh Rathi were also

present in the meeting.

27

Tiltaram was another small town in route where a small meeting held in the Ashram of religious

leader Shri. Asharam Bapu and Prof. Bhag Singh Arya organized the programme.

xi) Kaithal: (09-11-05)

Kaithal is a small town where another meeting was organized by the Panchayat of Kaithal

Shri.Surajmal and Shri.Ajmer Arya.

xii) Pundari: (09-11-05)

In Pundari, next to Kaithal, the Yatra received a grand welcome by 500 motorcyclists carrying

flags of slogans against female foeticide. The Yatra turned into a huge motorcycle rally stretched to 3

kms. A large gathering of 5000 people including young boys and girls was waiting at PWD Guest

House. Shri.Bhagchand Arya organized this massive meeting. No doubt, the message of Multi Faith

Pilgrimage of Compassion folded feeling of million of people to stand up against the heinous social evil

of killing the unborn girl.

xiii) Rajaund: (09-11-05)

Rajaund is another place in Haryana where the road show was organized. Religious leaders,

eminent personalities and many local people took part in it.

xiv) Asandh: (09-11-05)

In Asandh, the Sikh community facilitated religious leaders in local Gurudwara, where more

then 1000 Sikhs were present. Among them 500 were women. Sikhs community organized this

felicitation ceremony. This was a unique welcome and an opportunity to religious Gurus to preach Sikhs

on foeticide issue. It is noteworthy that Sikhs community is on the top in killing unborn girls.

Before reaching Panipat, a small meeting took place at Safido, organized by Shri.Jasbeer

Deshmal and Krishna Chandra Arya.

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xv) Panipat: (10-11-05)

Panipat is a major business center in Haryana. The town is famous for handloom and carpets. At

Panipat the Yatra received Palika Bazar by eminent citizens of Panipat like Shri Rammohan Rai, Sudhir

Sharva, Shri.Mahedra Singh Advocate, Labh Singh Arya, Binoo Sarpanch and Dera Baba Jodh Sahib

Sachiyar.

In morning a huge public meeting was organized at the campus of Arya Senior Secretary School.

Thousand of Girls and boys present took pledge to fight for the elimination of the foeticide problem.

The meeting was presided over by the Deputy Commissioner of Panipat. He also felicitated religious

leaders by presenting them blankets. The school children presented the skits on the issue.

xvi) Gharaunda: (10-11-05)

After Panipat, the Yatra covered Gharaunda and Kharkati. In Gharaunda, the felicitation

ceremony of Yatra was organized at Arya Public School where 2500 Students shouted slogans against

female foeticide and took pledge to eradicate the practice of feticide. Shri.Bhag Singh Arya, Principal of

the School thanked Swami Agnivesh and other religious leaders for taking up an issue, which can

improve status of women in the society.

Similarly, at Kharkati a small town at National Highway, a road show was organized. More than

1000 people were present to welcome the Yatra. Dr. Yashveer Azad organized the meeting.

xvii) Karnal: (10-11-05)

On 10th of Nov.2005, the Yatra reached Karnal Another prominent town of Haryana. Karnal was

named after the great warrior Karna, son of Kunti, mother of Pandavas in Mahabharta.

In Karnal, the Yatra was welcomed by several social Organizations and thousands of school

children. In a unique manner, the religious Gurus and marchers were brought to the campus of Govt.

Senior Secondary School. School Children formed a human chain around the marchers and religious

Gurus. Many social organizations carried their banners and shouted slogans against female foeticide.

29

They pledge to save the girl child. A big function was organized at Arya Anathalaya (orphanage) were

following social organizations were present:

1. Central Arya Sabha

2. Shraddhanand Anathalaya

3. CGC Committee

4. Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan

5. Education Dept. Govt. of Haryana

6. Patanjali Yoga Peeth

7. NIFA

8. Religious organization bbelong to Hindu, Musim Sikhs and Christians

9. Lion’s Club, Karnal

10. Citizen’s Grievance Committee

11. National Integrated Medical Association, Karnal

12. Akhil Bhartiya Sahitya Parishad

13. Manav Seva Sangh

14. Nirmal Dham

Those who participated in organizing were, Dr.Jagdeep Arya, Gurvinder Singh, Dr.Chiranjeev

Thakhur, Smt. Santosh Bakshi, Dr.Ravi Bhatiya, Shri.Sube Singh Arya, Shri.Jile Singh Arya, Shri

Puranmal Gand, Ramesh Chopra, Lakhi Ram Arya, Lakhpat Shastri, Ramkumar Arya, Birbal Arya,

Shri.Himmat Singh from Bharatiya Sanskriti Parishad and Shri.Mange Ram. Smt.Sumita Singh MLA

from Karnal was also present.

xviii) Kurukshetra:

At Kurukshetra, the Yatra assembled at Dayanda Ahila Ahavidyaly Dr. Ram Prakash,

Chairperson and Working President Shri. Himmat Shingh. Bharatiya Sanskrity Parishad was also

present.

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5. PUNJAB:

i) Ambala: (11-11-05)

A public meeting was organized at

Mahesh Nagar Ambala Cantt to welcome the

Yatra. Shri.Surendra Kumar, Bhushan Oberoi,

organized the meeting and K. L. Verma, Shri

Jaipal Malik from Nehru Yuva Kendra

Sangathan was also present.

ii) Fatehgarh Saheb: (11-11-05)

Fatehgarh Saheb is a place of historical

Importance where two sons of tenth Sikh

Guru Govind Singh were sentenced to death.

Fatehgarh Saheb is dominated by the Sikh

community. Unfortunately, The Sex Ratio in

Fatehgarh Saheb is lowest in the Punjab.

The felicitation of religious Gurus was organized at Gurudwana Diwan Hall. On morning 11 th

Nov. a big public meeting was organized at Mata Gujari College. Sadar Gurvinder Singh Sahi

organized the awareness meeting. Apart from Swami Agnivesh and other religious leaders, the

prominent speakers were, Gyani Kamal Singh, Prof. Manjeet Singh, Surendra Kaur and Dy

Commisioner of Fatehgarh Saheb. Randhir Singh Cheema and MP Shri.Libra, Ex. Member of

Parliament Smt.Satwinder Kaur also addressed the meeting. Shri.Amarjeet Singh Gill thanked Swami

Agnivesh and other dignitaries.

iii) Chandigarh: (11-11-05)

On 11th Nov. the Yatra reached Chandigarh, the Union Territory of India. The Yatra was

welcomed by hundreds of students from MCM College, GCG College and Dev Samaj College for

Women. They were carrying banners and placards against female feticide. It started from Tribune chawk

and criss-crossed various residential sectors of Chandigarh and reached Nehru Park, where a huge crowd

was waiting to welcome religious Gurus while addressing the gathering Swami Agnivesh forewarned

31

Punjab:Child sex ratio in the age group 0-6years

S.No District 1991 2001Change in

Points1 Fatehgarh Sahib 874 754 -1202 Kapoor Thala 879 775 -1043 Gurdaspur 878 775 -1034 Patiala 871 770 -1015 Roop Nagra 884 791 -936 Nawasahar 900 810 -907 Sangrur 873 784 -898 Jallandhar 886 797 -899 Mansa 867 779 -88

10 Bhathinda 860 779 -8111 Amritsar 861 783 -7812 Hoshiarpur 884 810 -7413 Ferozpur 887 819 -6814 Ludhiyana 877 814 -6315 Faridkot 865 805 -6016 Muktsar 858 807 -5117 Moga 867 819 -48

Entire State 875 793 -82

the masses that no religion will survive if we continue killing of unborn girls. Neither we will be able to

sustain the spirituality. He reminded people of India as a country of Goddess worship. Female foeticide

should not be tolerated socially, he said.

The eminent speakers on the day were: Swami Agnivesh, Justice P.Singh, Prof. Pam Rajput from

Punjab University, Manjit Kaur Karla, the principal of Govt. College for Girls, Justice Parampal Singh,

Judge at Punjab and Haryana High Court, Brig Ramesh Chander (retd) of the Chandigarh Senior Citizen

Welfare Association, Surinder Pal Chauhan, etc. In another public meeting organized at Lobana Bhavan

speakers like Shri Pritam Pal Singh, Hon. Justice Punjab and Harayana High Court, Advocate General

of Harayana, Shri Hava Singh Hudda, former Jathedar of Dam Dama Saheb Akaltakht, Gyani Keval

Singh, Capt. Ajay Singh Irrigation Minister of Harayana, Adv. Mr. Satya Pal Jain, former MP, Brigd.

M.B.Dixit, Prof. Pam Rajput and Principal Smt. N. Kalara were present. Apart from these dignitaries

many other important personalities from various spheres of life were present to extend their full

cooperation to Swami Agnivesh.

Swami Agnivesh reminded people the time when the birth of a girl child in the family was

greeted as the arrival of ‘Lakshmi’ the Hindu Goddess of wealth.

He suggested that a series of awareness campaign should be organized to make people

understand their responsibilities towards social issues.

The former Haryana Minister appreciated Swami Agnivesh and he added, “I will visit as many

villages as I can and fight for the right of the girl child. This will be my mission for the rest of my life.”

Justice Pritampal Singh, Judge at Punjab and Haryana High Court, said that it was deplorable

that on one side girls were considered deities while on the other hand they were killed while still in the

womb.

iv) Roopnagar: (12-11-05)

A public meeting was organized at Gurudwara

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v) Chamkaur Saheb: (12-11-05)

At Chamkaur Saheb, two sons and many relatives of Sikh Guru Govind Singh laid their lives to

save the religion. Here, former Jathedar of Damdama Sahib Akal Takht, Sardar Kewal singh welcomed

the Yatra

vi) Ludhiana: (12-11-05)

In Ludhiana, Civil Surgeon Dr. Rajinder Kaur welcomed the Yatra. On this occasion a seminar

and an exhibition was organized. Before this the Yatra received a grand welcome at Jamalpur chowk.

Tempu Union of Ludhina organized another welcome ceremony at Vardhaman chowk. The Association

of Businessmen Choura Bazar, Dal Bazar, Arya Samaj, Shri. Mandir Trust, Bagat Singh Youth Club and

Kamla Nehru Market Union welcomed the Yatra.

In the evening citizen’s council of Ludhaina organized a grand felicitation ceremony in which

industrialists, doctors and other enlightened citizens participated.

vii) Fillor: (13-11-05)

Fillor is a part of Ludhaina, which is famous for its Medical College. A conference to aware

doctors and nurses was organized by Dr. Shivdayal Mali. Apart from participants of the Yatra, large

number of Social Workers, Doctors, Nurses Auxiliary Staff and others were present. The conference

was presided by Mr.Cicelio Adorna, Country Director UNICEF. Mr. Augustine Vediath, Programme

Officer UNICEF was also present.

viii) Nawanshahar: (13-11-05)

According to 2001 census sex ratio in Nawanshahar is 810 girls for 1000 boys.

The Yatra in shape of a huge rally entered the school premises of Khalsa Sr. Secondary School with

shouting slogans, carrying placards against female feticide and different banners. A public meeting was

organized here to facilitate the Yatra. Hundreds of students greeted Swami Agnivesh and other

Religious Leaders. Swami Agnivesh while spreading message of saving the girl child called on students

to take pledge to eradicate this social evil of female foeticide.

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ix) Banga: (13-11-05)

The Yatra took route to Banga, the birthplace of great Martyr Bhagat Singh. Shri. Krishna

Kumar IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Banga facilitated Religious Gurus. .Sardar Kewal Singh presided

the felicitation ceremony.

The attraction of the programme was a very emotional presentation by School Girls of Banga on

female foeticide.

x) Khatkar Kalan: (13-11-05)

Khatkar Kalan is a village of Bhagat Singh. All Religious Gurus went to the memorial of

Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Swami Agnivesh proclaimed that Bhagat Singh laid his life to free the country

from the clutches of Britishers. Had he ever thought of free India to become daughter killers? Swami

Agnivesh chided Religious Leaders for failure to create social awareness among people against social

evils like foeticide, which had reached alarming stage in the country, particularly in Punjab and

Haryana. Swami Agnivesh added, “If this trend continue neither Dharma nor society will be saved.”

Deputy Collector Krishna Kumar, who was escorting Yatra assured every help to Swami

Agnivesh in his mission of saving girl child.

xi) Jallandhar: (13-11-05)

It was a grand welcome of Yatra at Jallandhar on the evening of 13 th Nov.2005. Eminent citizens

of Jallandhar were present at BD Arya Girl College to receive the Yatra.

Next morning on 14th Nov. the management of BD Arya Girl College organized a huge

convention on female foeticide where more then 2000 people were present. Among eminent

personalities present were Smt. Guru Kanwal Kaur, Minister of Social Welfare Punjab, Dr. Iqbal Singh,

Former MP, Shri. S.P. Sharma, CMO, Mr. Agustine Vediath, Programme Officer UNICEF, Family

Planning Officer Dr. Mihas, Smt. Swaraj Mohan, Director BD. Arya Girls College, Principal of the

College Smt. Sarita Verma and Many others. Dr. Shivdayal Mali and Shri. Ashwini Sharma organized

the public meetings in Jallandhar.

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In the Jam-packed Auditorium Swami Agnivesh called upon girls to take up the fight against evil

of female foeticide. He said, “Today’s girls are real embodiment of Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi and

we have to save them. We have to restore the powers of Goddess by saving girl child and by giving

them equal pedestal in the social and family life.

The hall echoed with slogans: -

Beti Bachao Durga Bachao

Beti Bachao Laxmi Bachao

Beti Bachao Saraswati Bachao And

Vedon ka hai Ye Elan

Beta Beti Ek Saman

Guru Nanak Ka he Ye Elan

Beta Beti Ek Saman

Islam Ka hai Ye Elan

Beta Beti Ek Saman

Isa Masih Ka Hai Elan

Beta Beti Ek Saman

Social Welfare minister Smt. Gurusharan Kaur applauded the efforts of Swami Agnivesh and

Sarvadeshik Arya Pratimidhi Sabha and assured Swami Agnivesh that the state will take up all

permeable measures to curb the problem of female foeticide.

The Yatra criss crossed various places of Jallandhar city and reached Kartarpur, the birthplace of

Swami Virjanand, Guru of Swami Dayanada Saraswati. Here, the Yatra received a very modest

welcome by students of Virjanand Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya. The Yatra had to take halt at Jandiyala

where a small road show was organized.

xii) Kartarpur: (14-11-05)

The Yatra criss-crossed various places of Jallandhar city and reached Kartarpur, the birthplace of

Swami Virjanand, Guru of Swami Dayanada Sarawati. Here, the Yatra received a very modest welcome

by students of Swami Virjananda Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya.

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xiii) Jandiyala: (14-11-05)

The Yatra took a brief halt at Jandiyala where a small road show was organized.

xiv) Amritsar: (15-11-05)

The huge caravan comprising buses, cars and motorcycles exhibiting messages to save girl child

and condemning heinous practice of female foeticide reached Amritsar, the land of famous Swarna

Mandir the pilgrimage of Sikhs. This was the auspicious day of Kartika Purmina and birthday of the

founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak. From bus station the Yatra took shape of a rally and marched towards

Jaliyan Wala Bagh. Jaliyan Wala Bagh is a historical place where during freedom struggle General Dair

ordered to fire at more than 2000 freedom fighters including women and children who assembled there

for a demonstration against British Empire.

The monument is considered as a holy place because hundreds of innocent people laid their lives

in saving the country. Swami Agnivesh as a crusader of saving girls called upon masses to take a pledge

in the name of martyrs of Jaliyanwala Bagh to eliminate social evil of killing the unborn girls. The huge

crowd was present at Jaliyanwala Bagh

Swami Agnivesh, Religious leaders, Social Activist, and Gyani Joginder Singh Vedanti,

Jathedar, Akal Takht, had a close-door meeting in the SGPC’s Information Office and they decided to

work together to fight against the social evil of female foeticide which has assume serous proportion.

Swami Agnivesh blamed the religious leaders for their failure in guiding society. “We are

responsible for setting some wrong value agenda and so we have come out acquired such wipe out these

mistakes”, he said. He also added, “Unless people from the world of religion come forward and join

hands, the problem cannot be solved.”

Conclusion:

The decrease in the female sex ratio from 972 in 1901 to 933 in 2001 as revealed in the census

report, 2001, has brought into focus the terrible practices of female foeticide and infanticide in India

today. The highest cases of female foeticide are in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh,

Gujarat and Punjab. It has disclosed that these are more prevalent in poverty-stricken areas with poor

literacy and a high population growth. The Indian government, the medical fraternity and social

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reformers have been galvanized into action and a number of schemes for social reform formulated. This

augurs well for future generations of Indian girls, yet to be born.

The Yatra campaign against female foeticide and infanticide was launched under the leadership

of Swami Agnivesh. The Yatra began on 1st Nov.2005, from Tankara in the state of Gujarat on the

auspicious occasion of Deepawali, Laskhmi Pujan and Maharshi Dayanand Nirvana Divas (Death

anniversary) and the birthplace of Founder of Arya Samaj, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati. It covered

five states and many other towns in the stats of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. The

Yatra came to culmination on 15th Nov. 2005 at Amritsar in Punjab.

The Yatra was very successful with the support and participation of many religious leaders,

social organizations and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The religious leaders from

Hinduism, Islamism, Christianity, Jainism and Sikhism took part in the campaign and they also decided

to join hands and fight against this evil practice of female foeticide and infanticide in our country.

During the whole Yatra there were a huge crowd of people got together and took pledge to fight against

female foeticide and infanticide.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also announced that they have a great task in front of

them i.e. to change the mindset of doctors and client, to create a socio cultural milieu that is conducive

for girl child’s survival and monitor the activities of commercial minded tech-docs thriving on sexist

prejudices. Then only we will be able to halt the process of declining sex ratio resulting into the

phenomenon of missing girls. To stop a gender imbalanced society we will have to convince doctors and

clients, state and civil society that “Daughters are not for slaughter”.

During the Yatra, Swami Agnivesh strongly urged the masses to come forward and support the

fight against the evil practices of foeticide and girl infanticide. He said that this is the beginning and the

Yatra would continue and try to cover the whole states of the country in the near future.

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