'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign ineffective if daughters don't get to live: Shabana Azmi

The actor reacted to the shocking incident involving the abduction, rape and murder of eight-year-old, Asifa Bano

MUMBAI: Veteran Bollywood actor Shabana Azmi said that for the Indian government's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save your daughters, educate your daughters)' campaign to be effective, the daughters of the nation need to be alive.

Shabana shared her thoughts on the matter when she attended the 20th Beti FLO GR8 Awards 2018 in Mumbai with Jeetendra, Bhumi Pednekar, Huma Qureshi and many others on April 16.

PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

Reacting to the shocking incident involving the abduction, rape and murder of an eight-year-old, Asifa Bano, in a village near Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, Shabana said: "Our country is living in multiple centuries at one time and I say that because of the way we treat our women."

She added that while Indian women have achieved great heights in their respective careers and become leaders, news such as Asifa's rape, can leave one speechless. "We should all unite and ensure these kinds of incidents don't occur. We always chant 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' but we should  also work towards it. And for that, our daughters, firstly, need to be alive."

PHOTO: BOLLYWOOD LIFE

Other celebrities also reacted to the incident. Gangs of Wasseypur actor, Huma said: "It's tragic and heartbreaking. The people behind the crime should be punished. It's shameful that we are not able to protect an eight-year-old."

Huma also stated that people are associating Asifa's case with various political angles which is very upsetting. "We should be arguing and fighting for justice, not about making the case political," explained the Badlapur actor.

She also mentioned that girls are now excelling in every field which is why they should be pushed to always aim higher. Huma added, "We all believe in the cause of women empowerment and it has become necessary that we encourage women."

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