New Delhi Municipal Corporation and Sachhi Saheli
By Varun Bhardwaj:
New Delhi, October 11, 2018: On the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child 2019, New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), and Delhi Based NGO Sachhi Saheli organized a program at the NDMC Convention Center to celebrate the day. The program that was based on the theme “Empowering the Girl Child for a better tomorrow” had Mrs. Mala Baijal (Wife of Hon’ble LG of Delhi) as it’s esteemed Chief Guest.
The program began at 10 am with the lighting of the lamp by all the dignitaries present and with Ganesh Vandana that was performed by the students of NDMC schools.
The welcome address was given by Dr. Rashmi Singh (Secretary, NDMC) as she thanked all the dignitaries, students and teachers present at the event. She also said, “Every girl and woman should be empowered. It is very important to break barriers and stereotypes as women and girls have an indispensable role to play in society. It is also imperative to bring a feminine thought in society. She went on to say, “We have been talking a lot about the swachta mission and about eradicating pollution but we also must understand that while doing do, we also have to eradicate polluted thoughts and gender stereotypes from our hearts to have a just society.”
While talking about the significance of the day, Dr. Surbhi Singh (President, Sachhi Saheli) said, “Thousands of people are celebrating the girl child day today, but it is also important that girls celebrate themselves. That often fails to happen as girls face problems such as lack of menstrual health knowledge and hygiene. Several girls also face sexual abuse and other forms of abuse, therefore, today is the day when all girls must resolve to empower themselves with the right knowledge that will enable them to safeguard their own interests while being strong and self-reliant.”
Following this, wall the dignitaries flagged off a team of teachers and girl students from NDMC schools who embarked on an environment sensitivity training trip in the mountains to learn the importance of cleanliness.
Subsequently at the program, Delhi based and popular Asmita Theatre Group performed their play “Ajeevika” that shook the audiences to reflect and think.
After witnessing a few performances, Mala Baijal appreciated the efforts of NDMC and Sachhi Saheli for having organized the program and thanked them for inviting her to be a part of it. While talking to the students, Mala Baijal said, “It is very important to have self-confidence and in order to foster the same the government has implemented several schemes for the education and empowerment of the girls, therefore nothing should stop us now as knowledge is power!”
A powerful dance the performance was then given by two students Aadya Singh and DishitaPahwa of two public schools that energized everyone present.
The program also saw enthusiastic performances by NDMC school students who with their immense talent brought important messages about girl empowerment to fore.
Legal experts from Delhi Legal Services Authority also graced the event and Hon’ble Judge Kawaljeet Singh(Member Secretary, DSLSA) along with Hon’ble judges Gautam Manan and Namrata Agarwal answered law-related questions for the students. While talking to the girls, Kawaljeetsaid, “There are several laws and policies in place to safeguard the interest of girls, however, it is important for every girl to stand up and speak for herself so that she can access the laws and policies made for.”
The audience included 300-400 students and also teachers from all schools from the area as well who enjoyed themselves and were glad to receive an important take-home message from the event.
The program was concluded with a motivational speech by Director of Education, NDMC R.P. Gupta, “I want to congratulate everyone for such wonderful performances and I want every girl to know that they are no less than boys. I witness the same in their board examination results where the girls excel much more than boys. Therefore, believe in yourself, work hard and also enjoy yourselves to the fullest because you deserve everything!”