They say the meek shall inherit the earth, but often it is the meek that remain forgotten, their voices lost in the incessant clamour of the everyday. This book is an appeal, on behalf of those 20 million lost voices, the orphan children of India, whose murmurs are too soft to be heard through the rambunctious din, and therefore, fail to move us. This book endeavours to provide an insight into the world of orphans, it tells their story, explores, in detail, their problems and suggests viable solutions, and tries to familiarise its readers with existing government legislature and government apathy.
In Weakest on Earth the authors capture the pitiful conditions under which these children must spend their lives, vulnerable to this world’s most contemptible elements, with great sensitivity, and implore their readers to help them bring about change, both legislative and personal, to afford these children a full life. ‘As a society develops and matures its treatment of orphans and destitute children undergoes many stages of transformation. In Weakest on Earth, the authors have brilliantly analysed what India is doing for those whose only parent is the State and have succinctly brought out that India has a long way to go on the path of delivering equity to its weakest citizens. With an in-depth examination of policy this book can well be the tipping point leading to a much needed overhaul of India’s blueprint for vulnerable children.’ -Kapil Sibal Senior Advocate, Supreme Court Former Minister of Law, Human Resources and Telecommunications, Government of India ’This book is a deep study and analytical research on the conditions of orphans, particularly juvenile orphans in India. The effort is commendable.’
Justice V.S Sirpurkar Former Judge, Supreme Court of India ‘An outstanding, comprehensive presentation of issues about a section of society whose voice has not been heard so far. A compelling read.’ -Dr. Naresh Trehan, Padma Bhushan Chairman and Managing Director Medanta-The Medicity ‘A nation’s development can be judged by how it treats the poor and helpless. India has yet to have an effective care of orphans and other disadvantaged children who are the poorest, most helpless and really deserving of support. Weakest on Earth is a path-breaking book which draws attention to this neglected category. It sets a new standard of analysis of public policy from a humanitarian point of view. An inclusive insight with a superlative presentation makes this an exceptional work.’ -Javed Akhtar, Padma Bhushan Poet, Lyricist, Scriptwriter.
