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In this powerful archival interview, Sharmila Tagore speaks candidly about the deep-rooted challenges faced by the girl child in Indian society. Reflecting on the 1980s, she explains how the Indian government and policymakers finally began acknowledging gender bias, particularly in socio-economic structures. However, she emphasizes that in the name of tradition, family, and ritual, discrimination against girls continues even today. With the advent of sex-detection technology, she warns that abuse often begins from the womb itself. Those who survive face a long journey of undernourishment, lack of medical care, early marriage, early pregnancy, and in many cases, death due to dowry or regressive practices like sati. Sharmila stresses that urgent action is needed from society and families, al
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