BOOK REVIEW
A profoundly impactful and eye-opening book that courageously tackles the deeply entrenched issue of sex selection in India, I Want a Boy by Dr. Aruna Kalra, a distinguished obstetrician and gynecologist with over 25 years of experience shines a light on India’s troubling obsession with male children with her experiences that exposes the grim reality of sex-selection procedures and their impact on women’s lives.
The book is more than just a collection of stories; it is a wake-up call for society. Dr. Kalra takes the reader on an eye-opening journey through the lives of women from both affluent and marginalized communities, all of whom face the same societal pressures to bear male offspring. Her vivid descriptions of the heartbreak and suffering endured by these women make the book an emotionally charged and unforgettable read.
At the core of the book lies the stark reality of selective abortions and their devastating impact on women’s physical and emotional health. The author presents real-life cases from her practice, where the desire for a male child leads families to resort to extreme measures, including repeated pregnancies and selective terminations. These practices are not confined to a particular socioeconomic class; they are pervasive across Indian society, from high-end maternity homes to government hospitals.
Dr. Kalra’s narrative is further enriched by her autobiographical accounts, providing a glimpse into her transformation from a medical practitioner who witnessed these atrocities to a vocal advocate against them. Her journey is both inspiring and disheartening, as she recounts the numerous cases where women, stripped of their autonomy and self-respect, succumbed to societal pressures.
The book serves as a scathing critique of the cultural norms that continue to perpetuate the preference for male children. Dr. Kalra exposes the outdated rituals and practices that still dictate the lives of women, often reducing them to mere vessels for producing male heirs. Through her candid and unflinching portrayal of these issues, she challenges readers to confront the deep-rooted biases that sustain this harmful mindset.
In one of the excerpts, the author shares a powerful and emotional moment in her medical practice. A frail, exhausted woman, burdened by repeated pregnancies, faces the pressure of societal norms over her health. Dr. Kalra’s frustration with the situation highlights the deep-rooted challenges women face in making choices about their bodies. The scene powerfully illustrates the tension between cultural expectations and the need for better awareness and support for women’s health.
One of the most striking aspects of I Want a Boy is its timeliness. In light of recent atrocities against women, including the widely publicized Kolkata incident, Dr. Kalra’s work is a crucial exploration of the ongoing struggle for women’s safety and rights in India. She emphasizes that the fight against gender discrimination is far from over and calls for greater empathy and understanding towards women’s health and well-being.
Dr. Kalra’s writing is accessible and authoritative, making complex medical and social issues understandable to a broad audience. Her ability to blend personal anecdotes with broader social commentary adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to connect with the stories on a deeply emotional level.
In conclusion, I Want a Boy is a compelling and necessary read for anyone interested in understanding the challenges faced by women in contemporary India. Dr. Aruna Kalra’s courageous and compassionate approach to the subject matter makes this book an essential contribution to the ongoing discourse on women’s rights and safety. It urges society to confront and change the deep-seated cultural biases that harm women and strip them of their dignity.
