Child marriage is threatening safe motherhood in our country. Girls conceiving in their teens run the risk of having under weight babies and other complications. The life of the baby and its mother (who herself in some cases is merely a baby) can be at stake. Besides lack of education, lack of social security often prompts the guardians to opt for an early marriage of their daughter. Law can hardly stop the practice of child marriage. A massive campaign should be launched to create awareness among people about the bad effects of child marriage. Provisions to offer health care to mother and child in the remote areas should be ensured.

Now on the Mothers' Day (May 9), I want to take the privilege to pay tribute to the best mother in the world, my own mother. I love you, Ma!