Mandya: The National Girl Child Day was celebrated with enthusiasm in Mandya on Saturday under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme.The programme was jointly organised by the district administration, zilla panchayat, District Legal Services Authority, department of women and child development, district women empowerment cell, and the Govt Girls Pre-University College, Arkeshwara Nagar.Speaking after inaugurating the event, ZP CEO KR Nandini stressed the need for a fundamental change in social attitudes, asserting that true progress can be achieved only when boys and girls are treated equally. She observed that the spirit of National Girl Child Day lies in recognising equality not merely in words, but in everyday practice.Addressing the gathering, Venkatesh, member of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, described children as the nation’s greatest asset and highlighted the urgent need to safeguard the rights and well-being of the girl child. Referring to the 2026 theme, he noted the continued national focus on education, health, gender equality, and empowerment, adding that the vision of “Empowering Girls for a Brighter Future” aims to ensure skill development, healthcare access, and safety for every girl.Asha, deputy director of the department of women and child development, stressed the need to create awareness against social evils such as child marriage, female foeticide, and gender discrimination.
