The eastern state of India, bound by Sikkim, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and the states of Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar, is a land of many splendors. Folk festivals, beautiful arts and crafts, music, theatre and films are a few of it’s natural heritage.
I traveled to six districts of the State to document success stories for the UNICEF partnered Government’s Kanyashree Project launched by the Chief Minister.
The objective of the scheme to instill confidence among young girls, to encourage their education, and to discourage their early marriage. Young water Polo enthusiasts practice in the village pond and have succeeded in representing their state at the national level to emerge as champions.
More than 60 Lakh girls are enrolled in the state Kanyashree scheme. By attending regular schools, participating in Kanyashree Clubs and motivating their communities by creating awareness, they develop an ability to think of a career for themselves.
The State is home to 88 lakh teenager girls, many of who are vulnerable to child trafficking in the form of child marriage and other forms of coercion. The Kanyashree project has empowered many of these young girls who have gone on to become model advocates. Working with schools, counsellers and police personnel, the project helps to take action against trafficking of teenagers and prevent child marriage.
The Kanyashree Club here is winning praise and appreciation in the way it is empowering its youth. Yoga has seen a lot of students take interest, won various competitions and aspire to represent the country at the international level.
Young adolescents are being empowered by training at the Kanyashree clubs. Young girls are training at the gym regularly and receiving karate and kickboxing lessons. These are adding a high confidence to their personality and a strong belief in their potential.
A school at Balagarh for the mentally challenged has become famous for the effort of the teacher and the trainer. Sujata Sikdar, a kanyashree recipient here is able to step out of home and breaks myths regarding the capability of the mentally challenged. She has represented the country at the Abu Dhabi special paraolympics.