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"Mom, ain't I your flesh and blood angel ? "

At last, entire nation sighed with great relief, when Mrs. Aishwarya Rai Bacchan delivered her bundle of joy. Mercifully, due to Broadcast Editors Association's ten point directive, we were not bombarded with the "breaking news" on the story.

But, in a country like India, is there ever any respite from Bollywood and cricket? The social networking sites were buzzing with posts related to Aishwarya's delivery. People went berserk with new arrival in the Bachchan family! Interestingly, amid all this brouhaha, nobody even bothered to notice the shockingly increasing numbers of crib deaths. It made me reflect on how we are interested in nothing but sensation.   

Why should crib deaths interest us? There is no glamour attached to it. There is no public  participation like protests and  candle light march that would create some sensation. The news is too stark and it always happens to "poor people, out there ". We want news. We want gossip. We want endless chatter. We want entertainment. We constantly need some melodrama to shift focus from our mundane life. Who cares if the sensation comes from a Bollywood actress or a porn star entering some idiotic reality show? As long as we are entertained, receive escape from our reality, we would take it all! Crib deaths do not provide any of this. Do they? 

While media was busy carrying most "happening" baby shower party of Bollywood, hundreds of babies died due to malnutrition and complete medical neglect! We care hoots for loss of so many precious lives and bereavement of the mothers who lost their angels. We have become so smart that we have mastered the art of maneuvering our conscience according to our convenience!

It is futile depending on government to find some solution to any problem. Don't we already know the standard statement after any tragedy occurs; "it is matter of great concern and we would look in to the matter. Guilty will not be spared."  Sadly, that is the way government functions in our country. 

Forgive me, if I sound angry today. It is just that the mother in me is crying out for those babies that met most inhuman deaths. Empathy is the basic attribute for any civil society and I bemoan its complete lack in our society. 

Try seeing a picture of a mourning mother; holding her baby in her arms. Close your eyes for few seconds. Cross your heart and ask yourself a question, "is that baby any different from my very own children? Isn't she as angelic? Did she deserve to die that way?" I think, you will get what I am trying to say. 

Raghurajpur, an emblem of heritage arts and crafts of Odisha!!!

About fifteen km from the revered city of Lord Jagannath, Puri, there is a tiny little hamlet Raghurajpur, nestled on the southern bank of r...