UK marks ‘International Day of the Girl Child’ in Odisha capital

Bhubaneswar: The British Deputy High Commission, Kolkata in collaboration with the People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC) observed the ‘International Day of the Girl Child’ here today amid the final round of an inter-school essay competition.

As many as 145 students belonging from class-IX to XII of ten schools in Bhubaneswar had participated in the competition. Six finalists, all girls, wrote and read out their essays before a panel of judges on the topic ‘Gender Equity is Essential for India’s Progress’. A winner amongst the boys was also selected directly from the first round of the competition

The objective of the essay competition was to get the next gen thinking about the role of girls and women in nation building and on the need for gender equality. The aim was to equally involve both girls and boys and make them introspect and debate on girl empowerment, particularly through education.

British Deputy High Commissioner, Kolkata, Bruce Bucknell said, “The UK and India are working together as a global force for good and we share with India the importance of promoting the cause of gender equality. I am delighted that we were able to once again celebrate this important occasion by demonstrating to young women that anything is possible, and by giving them a platform to share their views.”

Name of Girl Finalists/Winners:

Rasa Ameena, Class X: Kendriya Vidyalaya-6.

Adyashree Mishra, Class X: Mother’s Public School.

Samagyan Dash, Class X: DAV Public School, Pokhariput.

Shibani Pattnaik, Class XI: Guidance English Medium School.

Godaranya Supreet, Class XI: Stewart School.

Tamanna Mohapatra, Class XII: BJEM School.

Boy Winner: Bibhu Jayesh Sahu, Class X: Guidance English Medium School