Doctors of Lilavati hospital feel that they need to play in protecting Girl Child from deliberate harm to ensuring her well-being, from conception to adulthood. They may as concept formers and advice givers play a major role in correcting the distorted views that parts of society have formed, and are passing on to their future generations.
On 11th April 2012, through a mega event at J W Marriot, Mumbai; Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre (LHRC) launched its most ambitious campaign – “Save and Empower the Girl Child.” Lilavati hospital’s doctors have taken this initiative. The event was organized by LHRC and coordinated by Ms. Poonam Dhillon. Leading bollywood fashion designer Mr. Manish Malhotra paid tribute to the cause with his spectacular fashion show. Dignitaries from the various fields came in to support the noble cause and grace the occasion.
Leading Gynaecologist & IVF Expert, Dr. Hrishikesh Pai was the Chairman of the Organizing Committee. The core organizing committee consisted of leading Gynecologists - Dr. Kiran Coelho as Convener, Dr. Nandita Palshetkar, Dr. Rishma Pai and Dr. Deepak Ugra.
Chief Guest of the evening Kajol said,’her father never for a moment regretted the fact that he did not have a son’. The actress further said’children are God’s gift and no one has right to harm a little child or take anyone’s life’,she then urged’I think the country needs to stand up and take notice about saving the girl child.In today’s time people should not think that women are less that men.I don’t think it is like that today.Basically, it is wrong and illiterate attitude’,she then concluded ‘it is very important and essential to join ‘SAVE AND EMPOWER THE GILR CHILD’ initiative.It is a nice cause and I am happy to be here to support it’.
Leading Tennis Player Leander Paes said,’the best thing we can do to our children is to let live their dreams like my parents did for me’ he further waxed eloquent about the role of a woman in a man’s life be it mother, sister or daughter.He then praised significant roles played by his wife Rhea and his lovely daughter in his life’s success.
Designer Manish Malhotra said,’A baby girl is one of the most beautiful miracles in one’s life.This is an opportunity to reach out to people at large.So I am not just dressing celebrities and models but respected doctors and politicians too,the show is about real people. Everyone has come forward with a genuine desire to support and create awareness towards the cause. When it comes to women power,I am all for it’.
Event show stopper,Sushmita Sen said,’I am happy that Lilavati Hospital is doing this.They are doing this initiative for saving the girl child,which is a powerful thing.’God bless Lilavati Hospital’. I am happy that so many people are here to support, and I am blessed to be here, she further said,’there are very strong laws and acts in our country but they have not been implemented in the right way.Either the case dosent start early or if it starts,iy gets delayed.We all are examples of the fact that givena change we prove ourselves. Its a matter of having that faith’.