As we celebrate the World Population Day today, there are some things we must remember. Like India still remains the second most populated country in the world, but it seems we are in for a change for the better. Interestingly, many youngsters are working towards getting rid of the “infamous” tag by going in for adoption.
J.K. Mittal, chairperson of the management committee of the Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA), an autonomous body under the Women and Child Development unit, says that unlike earlier when only couples who had medical problems adopted a kid, nowadays couples come to adopt a child, out of choice. “Adopting a baby is no more a taboo. Also the adoption process has become easier,” he says.
Sashwati Sharma, a 28-year-old media professional, who got married a year back and is in no hurry to start a family, thinks that it is a fabulous idea. “I may want to have a baby of my own later. But right now I want to adopt a child,” she says, adding that even people (relatives and family members) don’t mind accepting an adopted kid.
Sashwati recalls an incident in her family when one of her aunts adopted a girl child out of choice. “She had three sons and wanted to have a daughter, so she went in for adoption. But it created a huge ruckus in the family. Her in-laws were not ready to accept the kid, as they were worried about her caste. But these details have now become non-issues. People are very liberal in their way of thinking,” she says.
Agrees 29-year old Aparajita Biala, whose friend recently adopted a baby girl. “She already had a son and wanted a daughter as well. In fact, she waited for more than two years for the court’s approval for her adoption application. Now that she has a child, she is very happy and content,” says Aparajita, adding that people like her friend are an inspiration for many. “At least I look up to her,” she says.
And the change seems to be sweeping with even unmarried couples planning to adopt. Charu Saxena, an unmarried CWA professional, is in a serious relationship, but she has already chalked out future plans with her boyfriend. “We won’t be marrying anytime soon, but whenever it happens, we decided not to have a child. We plan to adopt a kid who will get all our affection and care. This way, we will not be contributing to the ever-increasing population of our country. At the same time, we will be proud parents and give a home to an abandoned child in need. Even our folks have given our decision a thumbs up,” she adds.