AWARENESS PROGRAMME ORGANIZED UNDER CHILD MARRIAGE FREE INDIA CAMPAIGN

AWARENESS PROGRAMME ORGANIZED UNDER CHILD MARRIAGE FREE INDIA CAMPAIGN

20-AUG-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------An awareness program under the 'Child Marriage-Free India' campaign was organized on August 19, 2026, at +2 S.N. Lal High School, Akhgaon (Sandesh Block, Bhojpur). The event was conducted by the Women and Child Development Corporation, Bhojpur, under the aegis of the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Bhojpur, as part of the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) campaign.

The program commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Its primary objective was to raise awareness among students and the school community regarding the adverse effects of child marriage, relevant legal provisions, the education and safety of girls, and their rights, while also fostering community participation in building a society free from child marriage.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Kumar Rohit, District Project Manager, Women and Child Development Corporation, Bhojpur, stated that child marriage is not merely a social evil but a serious issue affecting children's rights, education, health, and future security. Early marriage, particularly for girls, hinders their education and personal development. He emphasized that preventing child marriage requires the collective responsibility of families, schools, and society alongside government efforts. He urged the students to become informed themselves and to raise their voices against child marriage in their surroundings.

Md. Tayyab Ahmed, District Mission Coordinator, District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Bhojpur, addressed the students, stating that daughters should have full opportunities to receive an education, fulfill their dreams, and become self-reliant. Child marriage poses a major obstacle to the educational and personal growth of girls. He highlighted the significant role students can play in preventing this practice. He appealed to the students to spread awareness against child marriage within their families and communities and to report any information regarding child marriage to the concerned officials. He remarked, "'Child Marriage-Free India' is not just a campaign, but a pledge for a safe and better future for coming generations." Smt. Pramila Kumari, Headmistress of +2 S.N. Lal High School, Akhgaon, stated that schools serve as a vital medium for educating girls and raising awareness about their rights and future. She remarked that child marriage acts as a barrier to girls' education and their holistic development. She emphasized that if daughters are provided with proper education and opportunities, they can become self-reliant and contribute significantly to the development of their families and society. She urged the students to spread awareness against child marriage and bring about positive change in society.

To foster awareness and creative expression among the students, competitions for speeches, essays, and slogans were organized during the event. The students participated enthusiastically, presenting their views on the adverse effects of child marriage and the importance of girls' education.

During the program, the students, teachers, and other participants took a pledge under the 'Child Marriage-Free India' campaign. Everyone resolved not to engage in or allow child marriage and committed to spreading awareness against the practice in society. The participants also pledged to play their part in ensuring the education, safety, and dignity of girls.

Sanitary pads and T-shirts bearing the 'Child Marriage-Free India' campaign logo were distributed to the students. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about personal hygiene and health while reinforcing the messages of girl child empowerment and the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) campaign.

At the conclusion of the event, the competition winners planted saplings. This activity conveyed a message of environmental conservation while encouraging social responsibility and a positive mindset among the students. The students also pledged to care for the plants and contribute to environmental protection.

The event was attended by Shri Kumar Rohit (District Project Manager, Women and Child Development Corporation, Bhojpur), Shri Md. Taiyab Ahmed (District Mission Coordinator, DHEW), Kalyani Kumari (Gender Specialist), Gudiya Kumari (Psychosocial Counselor), Md. Naushad Alam (Accounts Assistant), Jacky Raj (MTS), Smt. Pramila Kumari (Headmistress), school teachers, and other relevant participants. Through the program, the message was conveyed to the female students that preventing child marriage is not solely the government's responsibility but a collective one shared by families, schools, communities, and every citizen. An empowered and equitable society can be built only by ensuring girls' rights to education, safety, health, and dignity.

The Women and Child Development Corporation (Bhojpur) and the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) are continuously organizing and promoting such awareness programs to eliminate child marriage, encourage girls' education, and empower women and girls.