SRINAGAR, JANUARY 24: To raise awareness about the importance of empowering girls and creating an environment where they can thrive without the barriers of gender discrimination, ‘National Girl Child Day’ was today observed at Srinagar, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Shopian and Bandipora districts.
At Srinagar, in connection with celebration of National Girl Child Day-2025, a programme under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) was held here at Government College of Education, M.A Road with an aim to sensitize masses about significance of Birth of Girl Child and to create awareness about programmes for women empowerment and emancipation.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat was the chief guest at the event, organized jointly by the District Administration Srinagar and District Social Welfare Office.
Addressing the gathering, the DC underscored the importance of birth of Girl Child and emphasized end to gender stereotypes to empower Girls and protecting their rights at society/domestic level. He said the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative has been launched to address concerns of gender discrimination and women empowerment.
Dr Bilal stressed on building a positive environment that values the girl child and prevent gender-bias, ensuring survival and protection of the girl child.
He also highlighted the initiatives of the Government launched for empowerment and overall development of girl child to educate and empower them, ensuring they are at par with boys in every respect, besides providing avenues to foster their economic, social and political growth and securing the financial future of the girls.
The DC also urged organizers to conduct sensitization programmes for boys/males in order to counsel them regarding gender-bias and importance of the girl child to bring a transformational shift in the way our society looks at the girl child.
Later, the DC felicitated the young women achievers who have performed in different fields of life including Education, Sports, Anganwari, Health, entrepreneurship, Art etc.
Nodal Principal Colleges, Prof. Seema Naaz presented the keynote address and underscored the significance of this day.
Chief Planning Officer, Srinagar, Deputy Chief Education Officer, other Officers of District Social Welfare Office, Staff and Students of the College, Anagnwari/Asha workers and other participants attended the programme.
At Shopian, Under the flagship initiative of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Department of Social Welfare though Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women, Shopian today celebrated National Girl Child Day with a felicitation event and awareness camp at ANMT School at Shopian.
The programme focused on raising awareness about the importance of valuing and empowering the girl child to ensure an inclusive and progressive society.
The event was presided over by Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar.
On the occasion, the DC distributed baby care kits to mothers of newborn girls, delivering a powerful and positive message through this thoughtful gesture. The distribution served as a symbol of the administration’s dedication to celebrating the birth of girl children and promoting gender equality.
The event concluded with a pledge to work toward a society that values and empowers every girl child, ensuring they thrive and contribute to the nation’s progress.
The programme witnessed active participation from MS, District Hospital, Shopian, District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), and Block Medical Officers (BMOs), healthcare professionals, NRLM members and other stakeholders.
At Baramulla, a grand event was organized by the Social Welfare Department, in collaboration with the Information Department Baramulla, at Dak Bungalow, here under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative.
Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Raina, Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, was the Chief Guest at the occasion. Addressing a large gathering, he emphasized the critical role of educating and empowering the girl child in shaping a progressive society. He urged collective efforts to break gender barriers and provide equal opportunities to girls in all aspects of life.
The event saw participation from dignitaries, including District Social Welfare Officer Sajad Ahmad, District Information Officer Iftakhar Naseem and Prof. Tariq Ahmad Chalkoo, who delivered impactful speeches highlighting the achievements of women in diverse fields and the need for their empowerment.
A special cultural performance by the renowned Pir Panjal Band Baramulla added vibrancy to the event, earning applause from the audience, which included a large number of women and young girls.
In a significant gesture, the ADC distributed nutritional kits, hygiene kits, baby kits, and sewing machines to beneficiaries, furthering the administration’s commitment to the welfare of women and girls.
Meritorious girls, women entrepreneurs, and achievers in sports were also felicitated for their outstanding contributions and achievements.
At Ganderbal, in a remarkable celebration of National Girl Child Day, the Sankalp hub for empowerment of women, Mission Shakti Ganderbal, Department of Social Welfare, in collaboration with ICDS Ganderbal organized a vibrant event at Panchayat Ghar Chanthan Chuntwaliwar B.
The program underscored the pivotal role of education and empowerment in shaping the future of young girls.
To honor academic excellence, meritorious female students from the 8th standard were felicitated with well-curated stationery kits, a gesture aimed at nurturing their educational aspirations.
Additionally, track suits were distributed to female students who showcased active participation, symbolizing encouragement and recognition of their enthusiasm.
The event drew an overwhelming response from students, parents, and community members, who expressed heartfelt appreciation for the initiative.
At Bandipora, Sanklap HEW Mission Shakti, Bandipora on Friday celebrated National Girl Child Day under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative at Chitternar Bandipora.
The programme included a series of impactful activities designed to inspire and empower young girls.
The event featured a Self-Defence Workshop, imparting essential skills for girls to ensure their safety and boost confidence.
An exciting Kickboxing Competition between Haider Sports Academy and Star Sports Academy highlighted the strength and determination of young female athletes besides a Painting Competition provided a creative outlet for girls from far-flung rural areas, who showcased their artistic talents.
More than 100 girls from different parts of Bandipora actively participated in the event, making it a grand celebration of girl child empowerment.
On the occasion, the District Coordinator of REACHA delivered an inspiring speech, motivating girls to break barriers and achieve their dreams.
Addressing the gathering, District Coordinator SANKALP HEW Mission Shakti, highlighted the significance of self-defence training, creative competitions, and sports in empowering girls. She also explained the objectives of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme, emphasizing its critical role in promoting gender equality and enhancing the status of girls in society.
On the occasion, participation certificates among all participants and volunteers were distributed as a token of appreciation for their efforts.
The day concluded with a Rally from Kangri Chowk to the main market Bandipora, spreading awareness about the importance of education, empowerment, and safety of girls.
