Summary
In 1976, during a state of emergency in India, the government forced many men to undergo sterilization. Mohammad Deenu, from the village of Uttawar, was one of those men. The program aimed to control India's population and had international support, but it caused significant suffering and remains a painful memory for those affected.
Key Facts
- In November 1976, police surrounded the village of Uttawar, India, seeking men for forced sterilization.
- This happened during a national emergency when civil rights were limited by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
- The initiative was part of a larger effort to control India's population growth.
- Over 8 million men were sterilized during this period.
- Around 2,000 people died due to poorly managed surgeries.
- The World Bank and the United States provided financial incentives for the sterilization program.
- Government officials faced penalties if they did not meet sterilization quotas.
- Villages were punished, such as having their irrigation water cut off, if they did not agree to the program.
