The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, celebrated National Girl Child Day on 24th January 2024 at the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD). Every year, on January 24th, National Girl Child Day is observed countrywide with the aim of engaging the nation in creating a positive environment that values the girl child.
The event commenced with painting competition on the theme “Mere Viksit Bharat Ka Sapna/मेरे विकसित भारत का सपना,” involving children from Child Care Institutions (CCIs) in Delhi. The celebration also included a tree plantation campaign. To enhance the vibrancy of the event, children from CCIs showcased their talents in a cultural program aligned with the campaign’s theme. Notably, children from Shishu Mandir, Bangalore, presented a remarkable unicycle performance, recognized both nationally and internationally, curated in collaboration with Boeing India.
The event was chaired by the Minister of State, WCD, Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai. In his Keynote address, he emphasized the Government’s commitment to the guiding principles through initiatives like “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” to effect behavioral change in society’s attitude towards girl child and inspire a collective effort towards their holistic development. The commemoration of National Girl Child Day marks the progress in women’s empowerment, with advancements in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), sports, arts, and social service inspiring future generations towards a developed India. He highlighted that the exemplary contribution of women will serve as an inspiration for generations of young girls towards “Viksit Bharat” enabling a developed economy by 2047.
The special address was delivered by Secretary, MoWCD, Shri Indevar Pandey who emphasized that a generational change has to come in our attitudes towards our daughters and the National Girl Child Day is the day to promote such a sentiment .
He also applauded that the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar conferred to outstanding children in spheres which included art & culture, sports, science & technology, social service, bravery, innovation & environment had 19 winners out of which 10 were girls this year .
Distinguished guests from Boeing India, including Shri Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India, and Cheri Carter, Vice President, Boeing Global Engagement were also part of the occasion. Since 2014, Boeing has been funding Shishu Mandir, Bangalore focusing on overall growth and development of children. Some of the participating children for today’s event will be attending the World Unicycling Champions of 2024 (Unicorn 21) to be held in the United States in July 2024.
The event concluded with an oath-taking ceremony where participants pledged against all forms of gender-biased discrimination. In total, 207 children from Child Care Institutions (CCIs) actively participated in the program, making it a memorable and impactful occasion.
Besides being a National event, the National Girl Child Day is also being celebrated across the country with a 5 days special campaign involving activities denoting the importance of girl child. The campaign incorporates novel ideas such as affixing “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” stickers with messages on every visited house/public building/Panchayat office during door-to-door programs. Community sensitization programs such as workshops on menstrual hygiene were held with the distribution of hygiene kits. Plantation drives were mandatory activity in the name of girl child. Acknowledging and celebrating local champions at the district in the fields of education, sports, social welfare, and community mobilization were also made part of this campaign. A glimpse of the celebrations of National Girl Child Day campaign in various States/UTS can be seen in pictures below:
State:- Tamil Nadu
Oath taking Ceremony & Signature Campaingn
State:- Nagaland
District:- Tuensang
State:- Assam
District:- Golaghat
State:- Uttar Pradesh
SS/ AKS