Last Updated on January 6, 2026 6:19 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
By Lalit Gargg
There was a time when, across large parts of the world, the birth of a daughter was considered a burden. Her life was often ended in the womb itself, or, if she was born, discrimination, neglect, and deprivation became her destiny. This regressive and archaic mindset, sustained over centuries, inflicted deep wounds on society, civilization, and nature alike. Yet today, within that very world, a decisive shift in thinking is visible—a new consciousness is taking shape. Global surveys by institutions such as Gallup International indicate that in 44 countries, a large number of parents are now indifferent to the gender of their child; it no longer matters to them whether the baby is a boy or a girl.
This change is not merely a play of statistics—it represents a historic transformation unfolding within human consciousness. The evolving perception of girls reflects a deeper philosophy of humanity itself.
It is true that while one side of the picture appears bright, the other remains deeply troubling. Over the past 25 years, the world has saved nearly seven million baby girls—an undeniable testament to human progress. Yet the bitter reality is that even today, more than one million girls are eliminated in the womb every year, and over the last 45 years, this number has crossed fifty million. In other words, the demon of gender discrimination has not yet been fully defeated. Still, hope shines strong, because this bias is steadily losing social acceptance—and that is the most solid foundation of any true revolution.
In India, this struggle has been even more complex. Low levels of education, rigid patriarchal norms, superstition, and social misconceptions kept the existence of girls under constant threat for a long time. However, recent years show a noticeable improvement. According to the National Family Health Survey, the preference for sons in India has declined from 33 percent in 1999 to 15 percent today. This decline is not merely numerical; it signals a shift in mindset. Yet even 15 percent is significant, as it directly affects the sex ratio.
Today, India’s sex ratio stands at 943 girls for every 1,000 boys. Scientific studies suggest that the natural birth ratio of boys to girls is approximately 105:100, which should balance out by the age of five. If, even after five years, there are 57 fewer girls per 1,000 boys, it is clear that this is not nature at work, but society intervening. Fifty-seven is a large gap. At the current pace of improvement, it may take more than twenty-five years to bridge this divide. To ensure that these girls not only enter the world but also live healthy, fulfilling lives, both the scale and speed of protective measures must be significantly increased. This is essential not only for social justice, but also for maintaining the balance of creation itself. The real “external force” disrupting this balance is society’s distorted mindset—manifested through discrimination, neglect, unequal nutrition, inadequate healthcare, and unequal opportunities. If progress continues at its present rate, it could take more than a quarter of a century to close this gap. Therefore, expanding and accelerating corrective measures is imperative.
Education has emerged as the most powerful catalyst behind this transformation. Whenever girls have been given equal access to education, they have not only proven their capabilities but also reshaped the direction of society. In India and many other countries, initiatives related to girls’ education, scholarships, digital literacy, skill development, and health security have opened new pathways in their lives. Even in rural areas, school enrollment among girls has increased; their presence in higher education has strengthened; and they are now making their mark in science, technology, sports, administration, and entrepreneurship. Equally significant is the shift in policy—from mere protection to genuine empowerment. Alongside education, nutrition, maternal health, safe transportation, digital access, and leadership training have collectively given wings to girls’ self-confidence. This holistic approach ensures that future women are not merely “recipients of support,” but active “decision-makers.”
Across the world, women are now at the forefront of politics, administration, and corporate leadership. They are heads of state, leaders of armed forces, pioneers of scientific discoveries, and key participants in global policymaking. This transformation proves a fundamental truth: when given opportunities, talent does not recognize gender. The gender indifference reflected in Gallup International surveys is, in essence, a social affirmation of this belief—that girls are just as capable. For the first time on a global scale, a positive narrative around girls is emerging.
Yet, amid this changing mindset and rising power, it is also a time for deep introspection over the tragic and brutal realities of crimes, exploitation, rape, and discrimination against girls and women. According to global peace and security indices that assess inclusion, justice, and safety for women, India ranks 128th among 177 countries. NCRB data shows that the national average rate of crimes against women is 66.4, while the capital city, Delhi, stands alarmingly high at 144.4 points. It is widely believed that nearly 90 percent of sexual abuse is committed by someone known to the victim. This means girls are often most unsafe within their own homes or among familiar circles. Laws and schemes are necessary, but they are not sufficient. True transformation occurs within culture—inside homes, in language, and in traditions. When a family celebrates the birth of a daughter, invests in her education, and includes her in decision-making, only then do sex-ratio statistics improve sustainably.
The role of media, literature, and cinema is equally decisive—they can either reinforce stereotypes or shape new perspectives. Today, positive representations are increasing, portraying girls as self-reliant, courageous, and capable leaders—an encouraging sign of cultural change. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao was launched with precisely this aim: to address the declining child sex ratio and transform societal attitudes. The direction of the future is clear. Equality is not merely a list of rights; it is the real availability of opportunities. Saving girls was the first step; allowing them to grow, soar, and lead is the next. Health, education, and safety must be complemented by employment, property rights, digital access, and participation in decision-making—these are the true pillars of equality.
If sustained and coordinated efforts continue on these fronts, the coming years will not only see an improved sex ratio, but also a more balanced, sensitive, and productive society. There was a time when a girl was eliminated in the womb; today, the same world is learning to celebrate her birth. This change may be incomplete, but it is decisive. The declining preference for sons in India, the growing global trend of gender neutrality, and the expanding landscape of education and empowerment for women all point toward one conclusion: the coming era truly belongs to women. If this momentum is maintained, the girls of this nation will not only raise their own banners of achievement, but also guide human civilization toward a more just and harmonious future. This alone is the natural and necessary balance of creation.