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THE IDEAL OF INDIAN WOMANHOOD
duties. There is no selfishness in this attitude. On the contrary, it betokens a sense of social responsibi
lity.
Few normal youths would choose to be celibate bachelors or old maids hugging the dubious virtue of virginity. The control of child-birtlı, cither in wculock or outside, is the only way out of the dilemma. The more courageous are advocating it; the practice is growing. The venerablc custo:lians of India's religious traditions and thic self-appointed keepers of her moral conscience are horrificd and scandalised by the perversity of youth. But what alternative way do they show? Dare they enjoin that children must bc bred as a religious duty, even when the parents are fully conscious of their inability to provide for the new-comers ? By issuing such absurd injunction, our elders would forfeit their claim to guide the youth. There is a confusion, which is more confounded by pompous moralisings and platitudinous talks about Indian ideals. That does not help when an important social element is confronted with the question : To be or not to be-should birth-control be practised or not? There must be a clear answer. The question is too acute to be begged. None can advocate habitual breeding of unwanted children, and yet claim to have any sense of responsibility. On the other hand, prejudice prccludes the courage
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