In the heart of New Delhi, Dhara Shah, the maternal figure of the Indian infant, Ariha Shah, presently under the care of guardians in Germany, joined forces with the Progressive Women’s Organisation and the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) to orchestrate a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The purpose behind this was to vociferously demand the repatriation of the child, with an unwavering focus on safeguarding her intrinsic human and cultural entitlements.
In her impassioned plea, Dhara beseeched Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intercede and facilitate the reunion with her daughter. She articulated, “Ariha remains estranged from the sanctum, her religious and cultural prerogatives systematically stripped away. As an Indian citizen, she holds linguistic and social privileges that languish neglected in the precincts of Berlin.”
Having sought assistance from various ministers and Members of Parliament, and having garnered support from the Indian government, Dhara asserted, “The pivotal juncture rests upon the intervention of PM Modi. His involvement would inevitably coerce the German administration to heed our supplications. I earnestly implore the Prime Minister to attend to a mother’s earnest pleas.”
The genesis of Ariha’s predicament traces back to when, at the tender age of seven months, her parents discovered blood on her diaper. Seeking medical counsel, the physician attested to the child’s well-being. However, an unfounded accusation of parental maltreatment ensued, leading to the child’s forcible relocation to a care facility. Despite the subsequent retraction of the hospital’s allegations, the custody of Ariha was obstinately retained by the child care home, severing familial ties.
In the interest of the child’s welfare, a German court adjudicated custody to the German Youth Welfare Office, attributing intentional harm to Ariha by her parents. In contrast, the family contended that the injuries were accidental, occurring during a routine bathing session. Ariha has since endured a protracted stay in a child care facility in Berlin, spanning over two years.
Earlier on, the Indian diaspora in Frankfurt orchestrated a peaceful demonstration, imploring for Prime Minister Modi’s decisive intervention in the matter.
