We have often heard this sentence from civilized sane people “Mahalakshmi ye kozhandhaiyaa porandhirukaa” (Goddess has born as a child) whenever a girl baby is born. Girls are, in general, seen as a form of the Goddess of wealth (Lakshmi). I say, civilized and sane because the ‘Kalli paal’ (poisonous secretion form cactus) culture is still prevalent in some parts of the society, where they think the baby has come to shoo away the “Mahalakshmi” from their homes.

Just like conservative superstitious families, which raise the population by giving birth to children till they get a male heir, we have parents who yearn for a girl child, especially if the elder kid is a boy. As the saying goes “aasthiku paiyan, aasai ku ponnu”(son to take forward the legacy, daughter to quench desires) for  it clearly embellishes the love for a girl child. This again, I restrict to socially and especially, mentally sound families.

Girls are the loveliest of things that can ever happen to a family. It’s an emotional moment when a baby is born, and much more, if it’s a girl baby. Wrapped up in a soft cloth, when the nurse hands it over to the mom, she realizes that “this girl” is nothing but a “bundle” of joy! When a baby is born, a father is also born, they say. Maybe that strengthens the bond between the girl and her dad, one of the strongest relationships in the world. A dad always values his daughter a speck more than his son.

A girl child fills the house with so much happiness that one can’t measure. Growing up a girl child has its own share of joys and fun. Come Dussera, we see the “Girlish-ness” everywhere. From the kajal to the “netthi chiutti” (ornament worn in the forehead) to “oddiyanam” to “pattu paavadai” (silk skirt) to two-plaits, everything about a girl child is beautiful. Isn’t it a pleasure to watch little girls sing? 

Girls are awesome siblings. They make superb elder sisters, naughty but nice younger sisters. The bond is forever, so is the happiness.

Girls are not soft and sweet alone. They plan the cleverest of mischief and execute them in style. Girls are responsible and caring. A hug and few words from your girl child can relieve you of all the mental stress you have in life. If there is a problem in a house, it is the girl who will try to resolve it first.

May be due to the additional “x” chromosome, they bear pains with little whines. Girls are family-oriented. I don’t mean that they don’t care about their life and career, but home always has an extra preference in their minds, and that is why probably, they strike a fine balance between family and career.

‘Girls. You never know what they're going to think.’ says J.D.Salinger in his ‘Catcher in the Rye’ But their thoughts are too powerful that it they may as well execute the actions with ease. It just needs some time to convince girls, but once done, they will never go wrong.

Girls are a blessing. I don’t know how the world will be without girls. Probably it will exist, sans life!