HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, March 12: The ceremonial culmination of the district-level 45-day campaign (January 22, 2025 –March 8, 2025), marking the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative and International Women’s Day, was celebrated on Wednesday at Bhupen Hazarika Kalabhumi, here.
The event was organised by the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) under the Women and Child Development Department, Sonitpur, with administrative support from the Sonitpur District Administration.
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The program was graced by District Commissioner Ankur Bharali, accompanied by chief executive officer of Sonitpur Zila Parishad Karabi Saikia Karan, additional district commissioner Kabita Kakati Konwar, and keynote speaker Dr Jahanara Begum.
Other key attendees included Assistant Commissioner and (in-charge) district social welfare officer Iris Arman Ahmad, deputy superintendent of police, Sonitpur, Dwipen Kalita, district information and public relations officer Ankita Gogoi, child development project officers (CDPOs) under Sonitpur, representatives from the District Child Protection Unit, as well as supervisors, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), DHEW members, and local community representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Ankur Bharali highlighted the decade-long impact of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative and its role in reshaping societal views on gender equality.
Recognising women as the anchors of both home and society, he appreciated their multitasking roles.
He also underscored the importance of schemes like Nijut Moina, an initiative by the Government of Assam, aimed at encouraging girls to continue their education without financial burden and tackling the issue of child marriage.
Renowned actor and physician Dr Jahanara Begum, delivering the keynote address, reflected on the decade-long journey of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme, which was launched on January 22, 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
She emphasised education as a powerful tool to combat social evils such as female foeticide, child marriage, and dowry.
“When we educate a woman, we educate society at large,” she stated, further asserting that women’s rights are human rights.
She compared men and women to the two wheels of a cart, emphasising the need for equal progress for a holistic and progressive society.
District mission coordinator (DMC), Jyotishma Bharali, reiterated the importance of the BBBP initiative in ensuring girls’ safety, education, and empowerment.
She enumerated the various awareness drives taken up under the ICDS projects of the district during the 45-days campaign.
As a part of the event, six achievers were felicitated for their remarkable contributions to their communities and economic self-sufficiency.
The honorees included teachers Trishna Moni Laskar, Manju Bagh, woman Farmer & Entrepreneur Kamal Kumari Bodo, WSI (P) Jharna Gogoi, Jeevika Sakhi Manisha Chakraborty and SI Surajit Manta.
The event also featured a yoga performance coordinated by Namita Lahkar, a Sattriya dance recital, and a one-act play performed by Abir Theatre Group.
