India, despite rapid progress, still grapples with gender inequality. The social fabric remains largely patriarchal, with a clear preference for sons in many families. Even today, some well-educated, affluent individuals perpetuate this bias by trying repeatedly for a boy or terminating pregnancies if it’s a girl. While change is happening, these cases remain alarmingly common and normalized.
A recent TV commercial reignited a troubling observation. The mother in the ad affectionately addresses her daughters as beta — a term that means son in Hindi. Many justify this, claiming it’s out of love or that beta is gender-neutral. However, Hindi, a gendered language, has distinct words for sons and daughters. If calling daughters beta is acceptable, why not call sons beti?
It’s a shame but these people still exist.
This has nothing to do with education or class. The people I know around me are well-educated and of an upper-middle or elite class but they indulge in such heinous moral crimes. For me, gender discrimination is a filthy moral crime.
Recently, a television commercial ignited a thought in my mind. I had this thought somewhere hidden but now it has surfaced.
This practice reflects deep-seated patriarchy and a resistance to change. Historically, sons have held a special place in Indian society, and many still subconsciously reinforce this bias, even in small ways like language. While such habits may seem harmless, they subtly undermine a daughter’s identity and perpetuate inequality.
Interestingly, older films and TV shows used to address daughters as beti, respecting their identity. But recent media seems to have regressed, normalizing the use of beta for daughters. It’s a reflection of how societal attitudes shape language and vice versa.
Change begins with awareness. Small actions, like addressing daughters as beti, can challenge biases and affirm respect for their identity. Let’s stop justifying outdated habits and take steps, however small, toward equality.
For the sake of our children’s future, let’s rethink these practices. Don’t call your daughter beta if you wouldn’t call your son beti. Every small change matters.