We know that parents can go at any length to make sure that their kids are healthy and safe. But here comes a story that shatters all your beliefs.
In a shocking event, an innocent 13-year-old from Hyderabad died after fasting for a gruesome period of 68 days all in the name of religion. Yes, that's right. The girl, belonging to the Jain community of Hyderabad, was asked to observe the fast during the sacred month of 'Chaumasa'.
What's even more shocking is the fact that the family hailed her as a 'bal tapasvini' and marked her funeral procession as 'shobha yatra'. Her funeral was attended by around 600 people from the neighbourhood.
What exactly happened
The teenage girl's name was Aradhana and was a student of class eighth. Aradhana was unfortunately admitted to the hospital just after two days of the completion of her fast. Doctors claimed that she died of cardiac arrest and was already dead even before she was brought for treatment.
The surprising part is that Aradhana comes from a supposed well-to-do family and they have a jewellery showroom in the Pot Bazaar area of Secunderabad. It's astonishing to know that they asked their daughter to drop out of school and sit on a 68-day fast.
"It has been a practice for people to undertake severe penance when they give up even food and water. They are glorified, lauded and honoured at community meetings by the religious elders. They are also showered with gifts. But in this case it was a minor and that is my objection. This is suicide if not murder," said Lata Jain, a member of the Jain community in Hyderabad.
Reports also say that Aradhana had in the past observed another strict fast for a period of 41 days.
"We did not hide anything. Everyone knew Aradhana was fasting. They came and took selfies with her. Now some people are pointing fingers at us for allowing her to fast for 68 days," said Aradhana's grandfather, Manekchand Samdhariya.
While the family claim otherwise, Jain religious leaders say that Santhara (or the 68-day-fast) is commonly observed by the elderly, who are seeking renunciation. Why Aradhana was asked to observe the fast in that case as she was only 13, says Child right activists in the city.
"A minor is not deemed to have a voluntary will to take decisions that can endanger their life. Religious leaders also need to re-look at what should be allowed and what is not," said Child rights activist Shanta Sinha.
"There should never be any element of force or coercion in tapasya or fasting. This was a tragedy and we must learn our lessons from it," said Maharasa Ravinder Muniji of Kachiguda Sthanak to NDTV.
In the name of religion...
While we all should be teaching about religion to our kids, parents should know where to draw the line. While fasting is surely an act that is considered sacred in many religions, little kids should never be forced to do it as they are too young to understand such strict customs and rituals. Besides, they need more energy than the rest of us.
Another important point for parents to remember is not to imitate what others are doing, but to do what is right for their child. No one except the parents can understand how much a child can tolerate. Sometimes it is wise to listen to your heart than follow your religious superstitions. Sadly, in Aradhana's case her parents were not there for her when she needed them the most.
Also Read: Kite thread slits throat of three-year-old as she looked out of the sunroof of her car
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