Nabarangpur, Jan 27:On the occasion of National Girl Child Week, a district-level celebration of National Girl Child Day was organized today at the Mission Shakti Hall in Nabarangpur through the joint efforts of the Nabarangpur District Administration and the District Social Welfare Department. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) Biswajit Barman.
Addressing the gathering, the District Social Welfare Officer highlighted the objective of the observance and stated that National Girl Child Day was initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, to create awareness about the various issues and inequalities faced by girls in society. As part of the week-long programme from 18th to 24th January 2026, various awareness activities are being conducted focusing on the protection of girls and the creation of a healthy and safe environment for them.
In his address, the Additional District Magistrate stated that all efforts for the progress of girls would be successfully implemented only when society is mentally prepared to recognize and uphold their rights. He emphasized the need to create a supportive environment for girls and to provide them opportunities to think independently and take their own decisions. He added that both parents and children must understand the importance of prioritizing education before other matters in today’s society.
Sub-Collector of Nabarangpur, Prakash Chandra Mishra, in his speech, advised the officials present to take extensive awareness measures and legal steps to promote girls’ education, prevent child marriage, and curb domestic violence.
The programme was coordinated by UNICEF District Coordinator Fakir 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 Saroj Punam Niota, District Women Protection Officer Rama Pattanayak, gender sensitization expert Mamata Parichha, lecturer Sangina Tripathy of Nabarangpur College, social worker Manoroma Majhi, Child Welfare Committee member
riyadarshini, CTPO Sasmita Mohanty, Birajaila Mohini Pahi, Binita Jethi, institutional officer Kunimani Swain, counsellor Sharmistha Deo, Ranjita Sahu from the One Stop Centre, advocate Nishori Pattanayak, Women Empowerment Hub coordinator Sarita Rani Pani, financial literacy resource persons, and adolescent girls.
Experts including child rights specialist Sasmita Patra and gender sensitization expert Preeti Kumari Bagh discussed various issues faced by women and girls in society and encouraged adolescent girls to face challenges with confidence while safeguarding their dignity and rights.
At the end of the programme, six adolescent girls from the district who had achieved success in different fields were felicitated with certificates and mementoes by the Additional District Magistrate. The speakers emphasized that girls should have equal access to education and opportunities in society.
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