Shiraj V. Patil
Foreword
by Shri Shiraj V. Patil
Home Minister Government Of India
Increasing incidence of female foeticides is a most distressing phenomenon, which puts a question mark on the development of humanity. It is such a contradiction of the modern way of life which has shaken the concepts of the existence and identity of the human beings. The problem is extremely grave and unnerving. However, we are yet to realise its critical nature. The facts, the situations and the thoughts brought out in his novel "The Unborn Curse" by Muni Shri Lokprakash 'Lokesh' do not merely alert us, but also go to create a spirit of awakening. Through the medium of this novel, Muni Lokeshji has brought to light a burning question facing the society and the nation. He regards female foeticide as a modern scientific aspect of the exploitation of women. While he holds the women folk guilty for it, at the same time he maintains that the fundamental reasons encouraging it have been the legislation, the social customs, the so called female mindset, the compromising tendency etc.
Female foeticide has not increased in the western countries with the same speed as it has in India and the third world. This is so even when medical techniques concerning embryo examination and abortion have come there much earlier than in developing countries. This easily explains that the fault lies not in the techniques but in the mentality of the people. That is why when we think of tackling this burning issue through legislation, it does not seem to be effective. What is indeed required is for men to change their outlook towards women as well as for women towards other women. In the western society women are equal partners with men in all walks of life. This makes a daughter also valuable to her parents. But in our society a daughter is considered a burden. It is this mindset which has given fillip to incidents of female foeticide. Discrimination of sex and freedom to opt for a son would soon create such a monstrous situation that a way out of it may appear impossible. By bringing to light this situation, Muni Shri Lokeshji has dealt a fatal blow to the mean and selfish tendency which has penetrated into the mentality of the individuals and the society.
From times immemorial women have contributed to the shaping of life culture reinforcing it with values, ideals and humanitarian aspects. Women folk have not only covered themselves with glory, but they have added to the pride of the society and the nation.
But present-day "free thinking" tinged with narrow-mindedness has sought to dilute this ideal image, and the curse of female foeticide has grown as a slur on the society. This has cast a shadow on female tradition of sacrifice, love, motherliness, spirit of service and cordiality. Like the characters in the novel - Vishakha and Jyoti, there are innumerable women who have committed foeticide only because it happened to be a female embryo. Woman has become an enemy of woman because of such an inhuman and shameful mindset. In order to get the society and the nation freed from the burden of this terrible curse, Muni Shri Lokeshji has in the form of his novel "The Unborn Curse" given a call for saving the humanity from this horrible curse. Acharya Shri Mahaprajna has spread awareness in regard to this issue. In my view, this problem cannot be tackled by the Government only or the strength of legislation. Social organizations and religious leaders also have a very important role to play in this regard.
In the name of modernity, the sensitivity and the compassion within a woman is being drained out. That is the reason why women are seen committing foeticide or sprinkling kerosene on their own daughter-in-law over dowry demands. The major question that arises is as to how and since when a woman who knew how to give birth has started destroying life. How could a woman forget the dignity of the womanhood? Women are becoming targets of laughter because while earlier they struggled to break their own shackles, but now they are cutting their own feet.
I felicitate Muni Lokeshji that he has shown courage by picking up a burning issue for his writing. In my view this cancerous element is growing in rich and middle class families. Hence, it is essential for us all to ponder seriously so as to prevent its poisonous bite destroying the humanity. This novel marks an important step in this direction.
In the plot of "The Unborn Curse" while on one side we see a fresh and dynamic approach, on the other we also see that its style and language marks a unique point of departure. The story manifests with tremendous clarity its meaningfulness, and its positive, constructive and worthwhile dimensions.
In short it can be said that "The Unborn Curse" contains in it all the ingredients of a good novel, and that makes it a rich, useful, readable and thought provoking piece of writing.
In the thought process of Muni Lokeshji one notices consistency, sensitivity and harmony as weIl as a deep spirit of humanitarian compassion and ethical belief. He is a sensitive poet, writer, thinker and erudite saint. His thoughts vividly reflect finely-tuned consciousness about building this era. That is how his writings and thoughts contain in them the elements of "Satyam, Shivam and Sundaram". It is a matter of considerable inquisitiveness for me to see how he can be by himself alone even when surrounded by a crowd, and can take new flights of imagination far removed from the routine and humdrum environment. His creativity is linked with realism and truth, He can express in simple words the supreme philosophy of life, and equally can lift routine events into philosophical realm. In his thoughts one finds firm adherence to values of life along with the heritage of Indian culture and the base of spiritual values. The novel "The Unborn Curse" would, on account of these elements, while jolting the readers, leave on them the imprint of its positive nature.
New Delhi
Shivraj V. Patil