Srinagar, March 13, 2025 – Today, on National Girl Child Day, India celebrates the remarkable achievements of its daughters while renewing a collective pledge to empower them with equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and all walks of life. Observed with fervor across the nation, this day serves as both a tribute to the resilience of the girl child and a call to action to dismantle barriers that hinder their progress.
In Jammu and Kashmir, events marking the occasion highlighted the strides made by young girls in academics, sports, and community leadership. Speaking at a function organized in Srinagar, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha lauded the contributions of girls to the Union Territory’s development. “Our daughters are breaking stereotypes and excelling in every field. It is our duty to ensure they have the tools and opportunities to soar even higher,” he said.
The theme for this year’s National Girl Child Day, “Empower Her Future,” underscores the need for sustained efforts in addressing gender disparities. In Anantnag district, a special program saw local officials and community leaders distributing scholarships to meritorious girl students, alongside awareness campaigns on health and nutrition. “We are proud of our girls, and we must invest in their potential,” said District Commissioner Priya Sharma, emphasizing the importance of grassroots initiatives.
Nationally, the Ministry of Women and Child Development reported significant progress under schemes like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, launched a decade ago to promote the survival, education, and empowerment of girls. Official data released this week indicates a 5% increase in female enrollment in secondary education since 2020, alongside a decline in child marriages in several states. However, challenges remain, with activists pointing to persistent gaps in access to quality education and safety for girls, particularly in rural areas.
In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to celebrate the day, writing, “On National Girl Child Day, let us honor the achievements of our girls and commit to building a society where they thrive with dignity and equality.” His message was echoed by countless citizens and organizations hosting workshops, cultural performances, and pledge drives nationwide.
In Kashmir, the day also spotlighted inspiring stories of young achievers. Fifteen-year-old Ayesha Farooq from Baramulla, who recently won a national science competition, shared her journey with attendees at a Srinagar event. “I want to be a scientist and show the world what girls from Kashmir can do,” she said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Yet, the celebrations were tempered by calls for introspection. Women’s rights groups in the region urged the government to address issues like gender-based violence and limited workforce participation for women. “Empowerment is incomplete without safety and economic independence,” said Nusrat Ara, a local activist.
As the day concluded, the message was clear: while the achievements of the girl child are a source of pride, the journey toward true equality demands unwavering commitment. From policy reforms to societal shifts, National Girl Child Day 2025 reaffirmed that empowering girls is not just a goal—it’s a necessity for a stronger, more inclusive India.