Human chain formed in capital to highlight safe motherhood

Hundreds of students, teachers and volunteers today braved scorching heat in the capital to form a human chain, expressing solidarity and commitment to the cause of safe motherhood.

With a theme 'play your part', the teachers and students of Jamia Hamdard joined the volunteers of the White Ribbon Alliance in highlighting the issue on National Safe Motherhood Day.

"This is an occasion for us when we can spread the message. This year's theme 'play your part' seeks help of all -- policy makers, activists, media and over all human beings -- in making the society aware on the issue. Women must be empowered to exercise their right to survive," said Aparajita Gogoi, national coordinator of the White Ribbon Alliance.

Jamia Hamdard vice chancellor G N Qazi said "When injustice is rampant it is important that young people take a stand and initiate a call to take action. I am sure this initiative started at our university will catalyse action in Delhi and in other parts of the country," Qazi said.

According to an estimate, around 70,000 maternal deaths occur every year -- one every eight minutes. 

"These women who die every year are in the prime of their life and the biggest injustice is that 70 to 80% of these deaths are preventable. Government has the plans and policies to prevent such deaths but what we need is their proper implementation," Gogoi said.