25 February,2010 10:38 AM IST | | Avantika Patil
I started BETI in 2005. My sister works with UNSPA and through her the NGO authorities approached me to protest against female foeticide. I provided them with a platform on an awards night. The concept grew on me and I decided to start my own cause, BETI. My first ambassadors were Shabanaji and Diana Hayden. Frankly, before this I wasn't aware of the magnitude of female foeticide instances taking place in India.u00a0
What came as a shock was that majority cases of female foeticide took place in South Mumbai and Delhi. These areas are supposed to be mentally, financially and ethically more mature than the other sections of our society. They should be the ones supporting this cause and not causing it. It was a real shame when the statistics recorded 560 girls as against 1000 male children.
I have two daughters and I am an extremely proud mother. People like Nita Ambani, Priyanka Chopra, Preeti Zinta and others have spoken for the cause after attending my events. I promoted this cause in my fashion shows, women's achiever award, cricket matches, etc.
The fact that the seed that I planted is growing into a big tree is the driving force behind my efforts. Just two months ago, I read the data of the same region and found that the ratio has improved. I can at least take a 0.01 per cent credit in the change for better.
