End child marriage

Child marriage in India is a social evil that continues to thrive; the implementation of the ban has to be stringent and speedy

- SHUTAPA PAUL

The thing about existing in a bubble is that while it can protect you from the vagaries of the world outside...that bubble often pops! There are many 'Indias' within this vast nation of ours that can bewilder the mind. And us, human beings, are so caught up racing the daily sprint that we seldom notice. Even for some of us, who claim to be social observers and commentators, some occurrences come as a rude shock. For me that sobering effect happened a few weeks ago when I read a Supreme Court decision refusing to extend child marriage ban to all faiths.

Now wait a minute, child marriage is still happening in India? It's soon to be 2025! Are you kidding me? Nope. And I'm ashamed to admit what I, and many like me, have taken for granted, has long been a losing battle for lakhs of minor girls.