In a world where the birth of a girl child is often met with sorrow rather than celebration, Dr. Ganesh Rakh, a gynecologist and founder of Medicare Hospital in Pune, Maharashtra, has emerged as a beacon of hope and change. His journey, marked by resilience and compassion, has transformed societal attitudes towards female births and inspired countless others to join his mission.
The Genesis of a Mission
Dr. Ganesh Rakh‘s transformation from a doctor to a changemaker began in 2012 when he launched the Mulgi Vachva Abhiyan (Save the Girl Child Campaign). The 2011 census figures, revealing a dismal child sex ratio of 914 girls per 1,000 boys, deeply disturbed him. As a medical professional, he was struck by the stark contrast in reactions to births: while male births were celebrated with sweets and joy, the arrival of a girl child was met with tears and humiliation for mothers. This societal bias compelled Dr. Rakh to take action.
Determined to challenge these norms, he decided to waive all medical fees for deliveries of girl babies at his hospital. On January 3, 2012, he celebrated the birth of the first girl under this initiative by distributing sweets and cutting a cake—a gesture that earned him ridicule but also marked the beginning of an inspiring journey.
Impactful Actions: Delivering Hope
In the first year alone, Dr. Rakh waived fees for 130 deliveries of baby girls. Over the years, this number has grown exponentially; as of today, he has delivered more than 2,000 girl babies free of cost. Each birth is celebrated with cakes and sweets, transforming what was once a somber occasion into one of joy and pride.
Dr. Rakh’s initiative quickly gained national attention and inspired other doctors to follow suit. He has reached out to over 400,000 medical professionals across India and abroad, urging them to contribute in their own capacities. While many have joined his cause by offering free or discounted services for girl births, others have taken up advocacy roles to combat gender discrimination.
Challenges on the Path
Dr. Rakh’s journey has not been without challenges. Initially, his family and hospital staff criticized his decision to forego fees for deliveries—a financial sacrifice that amounted to ₹25,000 for normal deliveries and ₹50,000 for cesarean sections. Despite these setbacks, Dr. Rakh remained steadfast in his mission. Drawing strength from his own experiences with poverty during childhood, he prioritized saving lives over monetary gains.
“As long as there is a demand for sons over daughters, the industry will always find a way to meet this need… Committing the crime of sex-selective abortion is equally evil as murder.” This powerful statement highlights the deep-rooted societal issues that contribute to female infanticide and gender discrimination.
The societal stigma surrounding female births also posed obstacles. Families often refused to celebrate or even acknowledge the birth of girls. However, Dr. Rakh’s consistent efforts have gradually shifted attitudes among many families who now express gratitude for not opting for sex-selective abortions.
A Global Movement
Dr. Rakh’s Save the Girl Child initiative has transcended borders and inspired change globally. With partnerships involving over 13,000 organizations and voluntary support from 2.5 million individuals worldwide, the campaign has spread to countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, China, Canada, and more. His efforts have sparked conversations around gender equality in regions where patriarchal norms are deeply entrenched.
The Role of Family in His Mission
Dr. Rakh attributes much of his success to his wife Trupti and daughter Tanisha. While Trupti manages hospital operations seamlessly despite financial constraints, Tanisha serves as a personal inspiration for her father’s work. Dr. Rakh views every girl he delivers as his own daughter—a sentiment that fuels his unwavering commitment.
“It is a joy for me when parents pay me a visit to tell me that their daughters are doing well and accomplishing wonderful things.” This reflects his satisfaction and hope in seeing positive outcomes from his efforts.
Recognition and Legacy
Dr. Ganesh Rakh’s work has earned him widespread recognition both nationally and internationally. However, for him, the greatest reward lies in witnessing positive changes in families who once viewed daughters as burdens but now cherish them as blessings.His message is clear: gender discrimination will persist unless there is a collective change in mindset. He urges doctors to take responsibility by refusing to participate in sex-selective abortions and instead celebrating every life they bring into the world.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Dr. Ganesh Rakh’s journey exemplifies how empathy, determination, and action can challenge deeply rooted societal norms. His efforts resonate with The Logical Indian’s commitment to fostering peace, dialogue, kindness, and harmony in our communities. By addressing the stigma surrounding female births, he encourages a collective shift toward coexistence and equality—a powerful reminder that change begins with each of us.
Dr. Rakh’s story inspires us to reimagine our roles in creating a society where every child is celebrated equally, regardless of gender. What are your thoughts on how we can contribute to breaking gender biases? Share your views and join the conversation to help inspire positive social change.
