Amid growing concerns over crimes against women and children, a couple in West Bengal’s Nadia district has used a religious ceremony to send a message about the dignity and safety of girls. On the occasion of Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, the couple worshipped their eight-year-old daughter, Shruti, as Goddess Lakshmi instead of the traditional clay idol.
Debashish Biswas and his wife, Lakshmi, who live in Halder Para in Shivnibas village under Krishnaganj police station, near the India-Bangladesh border, said they wanted to raise awareness about violence against women and children through the symbolic gesture.
The initiative comes amid widespread concerns over crimes against women and children, including the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata and other cases reported across West Bengal. He expressed hope that teachers who had lost their jobs amid the controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in teacher recruitment in West Bengal would receive justice and that those who deserved employment would regain their positions. He expressed hope that the ceremony would encourage people to reconsider attitudes that place boys above girls. He stressed that daughters should never be neglected or treated as inferior to sons. Through the puja, the family wanted to convey that every girl deserves to grow up in a safe and supportive environment, free from abuse and discrimination. We feel proud to have worshipped her as Goddess Lakshmi on this auspicious day. Apart from praying for the safety of women and children, Debashish Biswas also offered prayers for people fighting for their rights. The ceremony drew several neighbours and local residents to the family’s home. Many appreciated the couple’s gesture and expressed hope that it would encourage greater awareness about the need to protect girls and ensure equal treatment for women.
Lakshmi Biswas said daughters are often regarded as manifestations of Goddess Lakshmi in Indian households. She said the family decided to worship their daughter to reinforce the belief that girls deserve the same love, respect and dignity as anyone else. The couple said their initiative was also intended to challenge the discrimination that girls continue to face in some sections of society. Debashish Biswas said the birth of their daughter had brought happiness and positive changes to their lives. Lakshmi Biswas said the family was proud to worship Shruti as Goddess Lakshmi on the auspicious occasion. Shruti’s mother, Lakshmi Biswas, said, “Our daughter is truly our Lakshmi.
