With great enthusiasm, The International Girl Child Day was celebrated across our community outreach programme in Bhubaneswar on the 10th of October. Our programme team collaborated with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Odisha State Commission for Protection on Child rights (OSCPCR) and Self Help Groups (SHGs) for the cause.
The event took place in a beautiful area, a 5 acre campus, which is a centre for Prajapita Brahma Kumaris in Haridamada, with sufficient open space to abide by the rules of social distancing and facilities to host an event for a strength of 75 people amidst the ongoing pandemic.
The event began with the welcoming of the guests. DCPO, Khurda (Smt. Banishree Pattnaik), Program Manager, OSCPCR (Mr. Pritikanta Panda), CWC member (Smt. Kanta) and an expert CWC member were the guests invited to the programme.
Followed by a short introduction about the guests were the cultural performances put up by the children. Around 60 children from 5 FS communities, namely Mahimangar, Nodhara, Kujimahal, Dalua and Haridamada participated in the event with incredible intrigue and eagerness. They made placards, drawings and performed lovely dances and songs even at a short notice. Each community showcased amazing dance moves. The song selection, their energy and passionate expressions, it all satisfied the goal of the event. A beautiful art exhibition was put up by them, decorated by their own drawings and paintings. Their commendable efforts gathered applause from everyone. The Village Director, FS team, animators, tutors, SHG members as well as youngsters, all came to witness this amazing event.
The DCPO delivered a speech explaining about the rights and importance of protection of the girl child. Her words encouraged everyone to become change-makers and support the noble cause. PM and OSCPCR highlighted numerous examples portraying the changes that have brought about the victory of girl power in the society. Two members of the CWC gave out a message urging everyone to support the cause. BETI BACHAO, BETI PADHAO was the powerful slogan in focus.
5 children selected from the 5 different villages were honoured with special prizes for their significant contribution to their communities. Two animators from the to-be transited communities were awarded for their marvellous efforts for the past 5 years in their respective communities. After a token of thanks by the team, the event came to a beautiful end. Lunch arrangements were made for everyone.
Smt. Kanta, a CWC member said, “the event is a very beautiful one even in the midst of Covid threat and the performance of the children has portrayed great messages for all. I’m thankful to be part of this and for spending the day in such a nice serene environment”.
Gayatri, a girl child from the Kujimahal community, who was also awarded for her contributions to the community said, ‘After a very long gap I could be part of such a nice programme and after attending it I feel very proud of being a girl.
The event was successful in achieving its goal to spread awareness and importance of the girl child and safeguarding her rights. Throughout the event, Covid precautions including hand sanitisation, social distancing, mask wearing were ensured.
We look forward to many such associations and partnerships with the government authorities in the days to come. For starters, the DCPO has requested for the nomination of our Covid warriors in the district level award ceremony.