On the occasion of National Girl Child Day, the popular X handle 'Modi Archive' (@modiarchive) highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sustained focus on empowering girls, noting that strengthening daughters is central to nation-building. The post emphasized that this belief has consistently shaped PM Modi's public life and governance approach, influencing national priorities across education, sports, and innovation.
Sharing a detailed message on X, 'Modi Archive' wrote: "On #NationalGirlChildDay, India recognises that empowering daughters strengthens the nation. This belief has guided the public life and governance approach of Narendra Modi. His consistent focus on the girl child has shaped national priorities and thinking."
The post spotlighted Tarushi Gaur, a young taekwondo achiever from Chandigarh, as an example of this vision in action. Tarushi began practicing taekwondo at the age of four and went on to win medals at national school games, federation tournaments, and CBSE nationals, eventually becoming a Guinness World Record holder. In 2022, on National Girl Child Day, she was conferred the Rashtriya Bal Shakti Puraskar by PM Modi. Reflecting on the experience, Tarushi said, "Though he is the Prime Minister, he is still so down to earth and deeply rooted in our culture. His presence inspired me and gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward."
The post noted that the Prime Minister's interaction encouraged many girls who were initially nervous, demonstrating what they could achieve. Flagship initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Kanya Kelavani, and sustained support for girls in education, sports, science, and innovation were highlighted as cornerstones of governance. Tarushi added, "Our Prime Minister focuses a lot on the girl child and works towards taking them towards progress in both sports and education. For this, he has brought many schemes."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings on National Girl Child Day, emphasizing that girls are not merely a responsibility but a source of strength and a vital force in nation-building. Taking to X, he said: "#NationalGirlChildDay symbolises that girls are not merely our responsibilities but sheer strength. The glorious examples of Rani Lakshmi Bai, Rani Velu Nachiyar, Mula Gabharu, and Pritilata Waddedar fill every Indian heart with pride and inspiration. The Modi government's mantra of women-led development has placed Nari Shakti at the forefront of progress, and today women are leading the nation's growth."
National Girl Child Day, celebrated every year on January 24, was initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The day aims to raise awareness about gender discrimination, promote equal opportunities, and foster an environment where girls can thrive. It seeks to address critical issues such as female foeticide, declining sex ratio, child marriage, and barriers to education and health, while promoting societal attitudes that value and respect girls.
The government has launched several schemes to empower girls, including the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, the National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. Legal measures like the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, POCSO Act, and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act provide protection and support for girls, complemented by programs like Mission Vatsalya, PM CARES for Children, and collaborations with NIMHANS and E-SAMPARK for mental and medical health support.
National Girl Child Day serves as a vital reminder of the importance of empowering girls and fostering an environment of equality and opportunity. Recognising and nurturing the potential of every girl child is essential to building a more inclusive, progressive, and equitable future for India.
(With inputs from IANS)
