Port Blair, Jan 24: The ‘National Girl Child Day’ was observed in the Islands together with the rest of the country . A function was held in the Tagore Auditorium, this morning (24.01.2012) at 10.00 a.m. in which the first lady of the Islands Smt. Bhawanee Singh was the Chief Guest. The function was organized by the State Social Welfare Board, Port Blair. This year’s theme chosen ‘Daughters are assets and not liabilities’. Earlier in her welcome address the Chairperson, A&N Social Welfare Board , Smt. Ratna Kannan dwelt at length on the significance of the day and said that mother is the first teacher for her children as she plays an important role in bringing them up.
Therefore, it is imperative to pay special care for the girl child for her over all and healthy development to meet all the challenges of life. This will be possible only if she is treated equally with her male counterparts. She further informed that the Child Sex Ratio at 966 in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is far better when compared to other States & Union Territories.
Addressing the Girl students present in large number in the Auditorium, Mr. Rakesh Pal Govind, Advocate and Secretary, Bar Council District Court reminded them of their responsibilities in the society. Mentioning that the women have achieved success in all spheres. He explained about the legal rights of girl child and threw light on different aspects of law made available for the protection of girl child in the society. In the interaction with Mr. Rakesh pal Govind the students of Carmel Senior Secondary School, Port Blair Govt. Model Senior Secondary School, and students of Tagore College raised certain questions related to harassment made to girl child and asked how to protect as per law made for them.
Dr. Kusum, Sr. Gynaecologist from G.B. Pant Hospital spoke on the topic ‘ Female Foeticide and Female infanticide.
Dr. S.K Jagpal Singh, Principal, Khalsa Public School spoke on ‘ Rights of Girl Child for free and compulsory Education’
Smt. Geeta, P.G.T. Govt. Model Senior Secondary School also shared her views on this occasion. Kumari Balakartika a student of K.V. II School performed wonderful welcome dance which was appreciated by one and all .
Smt. Geeta Banerjee, Music Teacher from Govt. Model Senior Secondary School, Ferrargunj also presented songs related to celebration of Girl Child Day .
The function was attended by a large gathering including students of various schools, office bearers Mahila Mandals and State Board members. The function was concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Mr. C.R. Das of State Social Welfare Board, Port Blair.
