In celebration of National Girl Child Day, Minister Seethakka expressed her well-wishes and reaffirmed the government's commitment to the welfare and empowerment of girls in Hyderabad. She emphasized the government's efforts to ensure equal opportunities for education, health, and safety for girls, and highlighted various initiatives taken to uplift and empower girl children. The minister reiterated the importance of collective efforts to create a safe and nurturing environment for every girl child.
National Girl Child Day: A Mission to Empower the Future
National Girl Child Day, observed annually in India on January 24th, is a testament to the nation's commitment to the welfare and empowerment of girls. It serves as a reminder of the challenges and disparities that girls face in society and emphasizes the need for concerted action to create a brighter future for them.
Background and Significance
The genesis of National Girl Child Day lies in a 1990 UNICEF report that highlighted the alarmingly high infant mortality rate among female children in India. This led to the launch of the "Save the Girl Child" campaign in 2004, with the aim of addressing the root causes of gender inequality and empowering girls. In 2008, the Indian Parliament officially declared January 24th as National Girl Child Day.
Government Initiatives
Over the years, the Indian government has implemented numerous initiatives to support girls' empowerment, including:
Impact of National Girl Child Day
National Girl Child Day has raised awareness about the importance of gender equality and girl child empowerment. It has also provided a platform for advocacy and discussion on issues affecting girls, and has encouraged the development of programs and policies aimed at improving their lives.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the theme of National Girl Child Day 2023? Answer: Empowering Girls for a Brighter Tomorrow.
2. What are some challenges faced by girls in India? Answer: Discrimination, lack of education opportunities, early marriage, and violence.
3. How can we promote gender equality? Answer: By challenging gender stereotypes, supporting education for girls, and empowering women in leadership roles.
4. What is the significance of celebrating National Girl Child Day? Answer: To raise awareness about the importance of girl child empowerment, highlight government initiatives, and inspire collective action to create a better future for girls.
5. What are some initiatives that individuals can take to support girls? Answer: Educate themselves about gender equality, mentor girls, support organizations working for girl child empowerment, and advocate for policies that promote gender equity.
As India celebrates Diwali today, devotees are preparing to perform the auspicious Lakshmi Puja to seek the blessings of the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The most auspicious timings for the puja have been revealed, falling between 7:25 pm and 8:31 pm. This article provides a city-wise breakdown of the muhurat and also highlights other important details for performing the puja on this special day.
Narak Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali, is more than just a fancy decoration ritual. It holds deep significance in Hindu beliefs, honoring Lord Yama and seeking protection from negative energies in the coming year. The arrangement and number of diyas have symbolic meanings and a specific auspicious time for lighting them on this particular day. The act of lighting diyas on Narak Chaturdashi is a powerful chain of emotions that brings forth resilience, wisdom, and inner strength, leading to harmony and auspiciousness in the household.
On the occasion of Deepotsav, Ayodhya made history by setting two new Guinness World Records - lighting over 26 lakh diyas and hosting the largest-ever Saryu aarti. The event was organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department and the Ayodhya District Administration, with the participation of over 30,000 volunteers. The Guinness World Records officials commended the efforts and stated that it was an honor to witness such a grand and spectacular display. The city of Ayodhya also celebrated Diwali with a drone show and a Ram Leela performance, making the event even more special.
As the country gears up for the festival of lights, various states have announced school holiday dates to allow students and teachers to participate in Diwali and other related celebrations. Some states are offering a five-day break, while others have extended the off period to almost two weeks. This break not only gives students time to celebrate with family, but also allows for preparation and participation in other cultural and religious festivities.
The Imperial War Museum has embarked on a groundbreaking project, using technology to bring historical archives to life and give a voice to the past. Through the use of cutting-edge techniques, the museum is unlocking stories that have long been silent, shedding new light on the events of the past. This innovative approach is providing a unique perspective on history and shaping our understanding of global events.
Dhanteras, also known as the festival of lights, falls on October 18th this year. To celebrate this auspicious day, people follow various rituals such as worshipping Lord Dhanvantari and Kubera and lighting diyas in the name of Yamaraj. According to traditional beliefs, performing these rituals with a pure heart and following prescribed customs can bring wealth, prosperity, and happiness into one's household. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these beliefs.
The much-awaited festival of Diwali is just around the corner and preparations are already underway. According to the 2025 calendar, the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat for Diwali has been announced to be on October 20. This auspicious day brings with it an opportunity for families to gather and worship Goddess Lakshmi for blessings of prosperity and good luck. The five-day festival, beginning with Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj, each day holds a significant spiritual meaning and is eagerly awaited by devotees.
Just days before the festival of lights, Delhi-NCR was brought to a standstill as severe traffic congestion struck the region. The festive rush, combined with ongoing roadwork and market zones bustling with Diwali shoppers, resulted in major delays and gridlock across the city. In response, the Delhi Traffic Police issued a strong advisory and took several measures to handle the traffic overload and prioritize safety. As the weekend and Diwali shopping continue, commuters are reminded to plan their journeys carefully to avoid getting stuck in the chaos.
As festive celebrations pick up pace in the national capital, Delhi Traffic Police is urging people to plan their travel in advance due to widespread traffic disruptions. Ongoing road repairs and broken sewer lines have added to the traffic woes, prompting the police to cancel leaves and deploy personnel to handle the growing Diwali rush. Many major intersections have experienced bottlenecks, and motorists are advised to follow diversion routes and check live updates before stepping out.
Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates good over evil and the victory of light over darkness. This year, Diwali falls on October 20, with Lakshmi Puja being the main ritual dedicated to Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The Amavasya Tithi, which marks the new moon, is considered the most auspicious time for the Puja and falls between 3.44 pm on October 20 and 5.54 pm on October 21. Diwali is celebrated across India and in many countries with Indian-origin communities, with families coming together to light diyas, offer prayers, and prepare sweets and offerings for the goddess. Different cities have their own auspicious timings for the Puja, with Delhi's Pradosh Kaal being the most significant.