Make Girls Confident and Prepare Them for Life, Says Poonam Raman

Girls must be equipped not only to dream of a better future but also to face real-life challenges with confidence, Joint Director of the Women and Child Development Department Poonam Raman said at an International Day of the Girl Child programme organised at Guru Nanak Girls College.

The event brought together officials, women’s rights representatives, child welfare experts, college representatives and students to discuss the rights, education, health and empowerment of girls. Raman attended as the chief guest, while Pooja Kumari, Chief Executive Officer of the Shivalik Development Agency, and Suman Shahzadawala, a member of the Haryana Women’s Commission, participated as special guests.

District Programme Officer of the Women and Child Development Department, Miksha Ranga, said this year’s theme focused on ending child marriage and investing in the rights of girls. The programme featured discussions on preventing child marriage, protecting girls’ rights and promoting mental health, alongside awareness activities designed to encourage healthy practices and a positive outlook among young people.

Raman Urges Girls to Build Confidence

Addressing the gathering, Raman said confidence was essential for girls to turn their aspirations into reality. She stressed that they needed to be prepared for the practical challenges of life rather than being encouraged to remain confined to a world of dreams.

Girls, she said, possess the ability to make even seemingly impossible tasks achievable when they develop self-belief and confidence. Her message underlined the importance of creating an environment in which girls can recognise their potential, express themselves freely and work towards their goals.

The programme also highlighted the need for families, educational institutions and society to support girls as they pursue education, develop their abilities and make informed decisions about their futures.

Education, Rights and Mental Health in Focus

The programme placed particular emphasis on the rights and well-being of girls, including their right to education, health, protection and equal opportunities. Experts addressed the importance of preventing child marriage and ensuring that children understand their rights and the resources available to support their welfare.

Arvinderjit Kaur, Child Marriage Prohibition Officer, and advocate Monika Rani, a member of the Child Welfare Committee, spoke to students about children’s rights and health-related concerns. Their interaction aimed to improve awareness of the safeguards and support systems intended to protect children.

The discussion on child marriage highlighted the importance of awareness and timely intervention to protect girls’ well-being and opportunities. The programme also drew attention to mental health, a subject that is important to the overall development of adolescents and their ability to deal with personal, academic and social challenges.

Suman Shahzadawala said the International Day of the Girl Child was dedicated to advancing the rights of girls and adolescents, including education, safety, health, equal opportunities and leadership. She said the occasion should not be limited to celebrating girls but should also draw attention to the difficulties they continue to face in different parts of the world.

Her remarks emphasised the need for sustained efforts to ensure that girls can study, remain safe, access healthcare and participate meaningfully in society. The occasion served as a reminder that empowering girls requires more than symbolic recognition; it calls for practical support and equal opportunities.

Pooja Kumari Emphasises the Importance of Education

Pooja Kumari stressed that education was the principal route through which girls could move towards their goals and establish an identity of their own.

She encouraged students to value education as a means of building knowledge, independence and confidence. Her message reinforced the broader theme of the programme: girls should have the opportunity to shape their futures through learning, informed choices and personal development.

The speakers also shared accounts of struggles and experiences from their own lives. These stories inspired participants and illustrated how determination and perseverance can help people overcome difficulties.

The interaction provided students with an opportunity to hear directly from women in public service and positions of responsibility. Their experiences formed an important part of the programme’s message about self-confidence, ambition and the value of education.

Nutrition Exhibition and Creative Activities Draw Attention

Alongside the awareness sessions, the organisers arranged an exhibition of low-cost nutritious dishes, with recipes displayed to help visitors understand how healthy food can be prepared affordably.

A live model of a nutritious meal and a poster exhibition were also presented in the college auditorium. These activities complemented the discussions on girls’ health and well-being by drawing attention to nutrition and healthy practices.

A specially created selfie point emerged as another attraction. Students and other participants used it to capture memories of the event on their phones, adding an interactive element to the programme.

The event also included the Annaprashan ceremony for three children. The ceremony formed part of the programme’s activities related to child care and nutrition.

Girls and Participants Honoured

Girls who had performed exceptionally, along with other individuals recognised during the programme, were felicitated for their contributions and achievements. The recognition added to the event’s emphasis on encouraging girls and acknowledging their capabilities.

College General Secretary Manoranjan Singh Sahni and Director Dr Virender Gandhi extended their best wishes for the success of the International Day of the Girl Child programme.

Departmental supervisors, nutrition staff, representatives of the District Child Protection Unit, Anganwadi workers and students attended the event.