That was the day I decided I had to have a boy, no matter what,” says Sunita, 37. Haryana had the lowest sex ratio in the country in the 2011 Census, at 879 females per 1,000 males. According to the Civil Registration System, also known as the birth and death registration system, the State’s sex ratio at birth has risen to 923 in 2025, the highest in five years. He points out that IVF clinics often display posters showing a “perfect” family — a boy and a girl. Even the Singwai sisters acknowledge that despite all the moments they celebrated — a daughter’s birth, a medal, a birthday — nothing matched the fervour with which their brother was welcomed home.

Source: The Hindu January 18, 2026 07:50 UTC