Ever since 2008, January 24 is celebrated as the National Girl Child Day in India. This year, Ministry of Culture is organising an event called ‘Umang Rangoli Utsav’, as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. As part of the event, participating teams will make Rangoli decorations at over 50 special locations across the country, said a press release yesterday.

Kilometre-long Rangoli decorations will be made on the roads and squares named after female freedom fighters or female role models of the country.

The celebrations across the country are led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The objective of the day is to spread awareness among the public about inequities faced by girls in Indian society, to promote awareness about the rights of the girl child and the importance of female education, health, and nutrition.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually interact with and felicitate the awardees of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) on this day, in the presence of Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Zubin Irani and Minister of State Munjpara Mahendrabhai.

Saluting daughters of the country for their accomplishments in various fields on National Girl Child Day, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday called for securing equal rights for every girl child and empowering them with opportunities. “Let us reiterate our commitment towards securing equal rights for every girl child, empowering them with opportunities for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable society”, Sinha said in tweet.

Sinha asked people to make collective efforts to promote awareness about the rights of the girl child and provide support and opportunities to girls.

He said it is our social and moral responsibility to increase awareness on the importance of girls’ education, and their health and nutrition.

The efforts put in by all those working towards empowering the girl child are commendable, the Lt Governor said.

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