Every year on January 24, India commemorates National Girl Child Day, observed since 2008. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is leading the events around the country. The goal of the day is to raise public awareness about the disparities that girls suffer in Indian culture and increase awareness about the rights of girls and the importance of female education, health, and nutrition.
The day coincides with government campaigns and initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Save the Girl Child, free/subsidized education, and women’s reservations in colleges and universities.
On this day, events and programs based on annual themes are held. ‘Empowering Girls for a Brighter Tomorrow’ was the topic for 2019. In 2020, the theme was “My voice, Our Common Future.” ‘Digital Generation, Our Generation’ was the theme for National Girl Child Day in 2021.
How will National Girl Child Day be commemorated in 2022?
As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav this year, the Ministry of Culture is hosting an event called ‘Umang Rangoli Utsav.’ According to a news statement issued yesterday, participating teams will create Rangoli decorations in over 50 unique spots across the country as part of the event.
Rangoli event
On the roads and squares named for female independence warriors or role models in the country, kilometer-long Rangoli decorations will be made.
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) awardees
In addition, in Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Zubin Irani and Minister of State Munjpara Mahendrabhai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would virtually interact with and felicitate the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) awardees on this day.
On National Girl Child Day, Ayushmann Khurrana encourages people to challenge gender norms
Ayushmann Khurrana is one of the performers recognized for his ground-breaking films that have defied preconceptions and wowed audiences. He has worked to combat gender discrimination via his work, and UNICEF has named him a Celebrity Advocate for the global campaign Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC). On National Girl Child Day, the Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan actor has urged fans to help overcome preconceptions so that a girl can have equal opportunities as a boy.
“Each of us has the obligation of eliminating gender-based discrimination a thing of the past and ensuring that every girl is treated with the same value and worth by families and communities as any boy,” Ayushmann said. So let’s start with breaking gender stereotypes in our personal lives on National Girl Child Day. Small efforts add up and lead to long-term beneficial transformation.”
The actor went on to say that the sexist remarks should be addressed. “It can’t be done without men’s active participation.” So, men and boys, let us commit to speak out against sexist remarks, jokes, and biases wherever we encounter them, and to ensure that girls and women are appreciated and respected everywhere,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Ayushmann is presently filming An Action Hero in London, directed by Anand L Rai. In Doctor G, he’ll also be featured opposite Rakul Preet Singh and Anubhav Sinha’s Anek.