Nabarangpur, Jan 31: On the occasion of National Girl Child Week, a district-level celebration was organized today at the Mission Shakti Hall in Nabarangpur through the joint initiative of the Nabarangpur District Administration and the District Social Welfare Department.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Additional District Magistrate Bishwajit Barman. Addressing the gathering, the District Social Welfare Officer highlighted the objective of the observance and stated that the Government of India’s Ministry of Women and Child Development has been observing National Girl Child Day since 2008 to create awareness about the various issues, challenges, and inequalities faced by girls in society.
During the week-long programme held from 18th to 24th January 2026, various awareness activities were conducted focusing on the safety of girls and the creation of a healthy and secure environment for them.
In his address, the Additional District Magistrate emphasized that all efforts aimed at the progress of girls will be truly successful only when society is mentally prepared to grant them their rightful place and rights. He stressed the need to create a supportive environment where girls can think independently and take their own decisions. He also stated that in today’s society, both parents and children must understand the importance of prioritizing career development before marriage.
Sub-Collector Prakash Chandra Mishra, in his speech, advised officials to take extensive awareness measures and legal steps to promote women’s education, prevent child marriage, and curb domestic violence.
The event was coordinated by UNICEF District Coordinator Phalir Charan Rout. Among those present were District Social Security Officer Sudhanshu Patra, District Information and Public Relations Officer Manoj Kumar Behera, Deputy Superintendent of Police Poonam Kisota, District Child Protection Officer Rama Pattnaik, Gender Specialist Mamata Parida, Nabarangpur College Lecturer Sangeeta Tripathy, social worker Manoroma Majhi, Child Welfare Committee Chairperson Alanta Priyadarshini, SPO Sasmita Mohanty, Birajara Mohini Pangi, Binita Jethi, Institutional Officer Junimani Sai, Counselor Sharmistha Deo, representatives from One Stop Centre including Chanchita Sahu, advocate Kishori Pattnaik, Women Empowerment Coordinator Sarita Rani Pani, literacy expert Sasmita Patra, and gender sensitization expert Preeti Kumari Bagh.
The speakers discussed various issues faced by women in society, especially adolescent girls, and emphasized the need to confront these challenges with determination while safeguarding their human rights. They also stressed ensuring equal access to education for all girl children.
At the end of the programme, six adolescent girls from the district who had achieved success in various fields were felicitated with certificates and awards by the Additional District Magistrate.