This post isn’t about any particular religion.
Almost every religion endorses fasting in some form or the other. In prominent religions, during the ‘holy months’ of fasting, young children are made to fast and awarded for their ability to stay hungry in the name of God. The praise and accolades that the child recieves, conditions the young mind to believe that thier acts are justified.
(If you haven’t read about Aradhana. Click here.)
Did you know?
– This wasn’t the first time Aradhana fasted.
Prior to the 68-day fast, Aradhana had undertaken a 34 day fast that she had completed.
(Importance of fasting in Jains)
– She couldn’t go to school after the 24th day of fasting
She wasn’t keeping good health. Her mother knew this. She allowed her daughter to stay home and continue the fast.
– Two of Aradhana’s aunts are doctors
Despite this, her health wasn’t monitored. Instead of admitting her to the hospital after the fast ended, they took her out on a chariot amongst 100s of people who were part of a special procession for her.
– Aradhana’s health was failing. They didn’t resort to medical assistance
How did the mother allow this? She knew her child wouldn’t make it. She allowed her child to die – why?
What was Manisha Samdariya thinking?
Her parents, Lakshmichand and Manisha Samdariya were extremely proud of their daughter. Every day, their starving daughter was dressed like a doll and religious texts revolving around the letter of the day were read out to her. They even printed a fancy card to invite the world to celebrate their daughter’s 68-day fast. When she died, they celebrated her death by leading a procession called ‘Shobha Yatra’.
Was it religious fanaticism?
Media reports say that her mother was aware of the consequences of the fast. Despite this, she allowed her child to continue.
My question: Did she eat each of the 68 days?
Yes? How did she allow herself to eat while her child was fasting? Why didn’t she feed the child anything when the child’s health was failing?
Was she influenced by the religious leader/priest who proposed the suggestion?
According to the media, the family was undergoing financial losses. The fast was a way to save the family fortune and turn the losses into profits.
My question: Which of my readers would willingly sacrifice their children for the sake of some money or religious satisfaction?
Aradhana isn’t the only one.
My life revolves around my children. Yes, I am a strong, independent, working woman, but my children can make me go weak in the knees. Isn’t this the case with each and every mother that you know? Irrespective of whether she is working or not, a mother’s top priority is her children. Nothing else is more important.
Giving birth to a child automatically means that we, as mothers are responsible for the child’s well-being and security.
Through this post I ask you:
Is Manisha hidden within you?
Unknowingly, mothers push their children into following religious norms. Maynot be to an extreme, however, parents do influence child’s religious beliefs. Each parent knows what is best for their child. I leave it here.
I would love to know your views. Do let me know in the comments section. If you think this post touched a chord, do share it with your friends.
—– Penned by Mayura Amarkant
This is my Day 9 post for Ultimate Blogging Challenge #DailyChatter through the amazing @BlogChatter community of bloggers.
——-
This is my 3rd post in the #Parenting series. Here are the other two:
DiaryOfAnInsaneWriter 
What do you think of this post? Leave a reply.