SDO (C) Vikhoto Richa along with other officials and students during the National Girl Child Day programme held at DC’s Conference Hall in Noklak on January 24. (DIPR Photo)
Noklak, January 24 (MExN): National Girl Child Day was observed at Noklak on January 24 under the theme “Empowerment, Education, Digital Inclusion, Health and Leadership”. The programme was organised by the district administration, Noklak, in collaboration with SANKALP—District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW)—and Sakshi One Stop Centre (OSC), Noklak, at the DC’s Conference Hall, Noklak.
Delivering the keynote address, SDO (Civil) Noklak Vikhoto Richa highlighted the activities of Mission Shakti in the district, with a focus on women empowerment. He informed about a proposal for setting up a One Stop Centre, including a women’s hostel and a short-term shelter, and emphasised the role of the District Hub for Empowerment of Women.
Speaking on the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative, Richa highlighted efforts to improve the sex ratio, literacy and skill development, and acknowledged ASHA workers as frontline workers in promoting institutional deliveries.
Centre Administrator, Sakshi One Stop Centre (OSC), Noklak, Niamkoi, said the primary objective of Mission Shakti is to provide support and assistance to women affected by violence, without any age bar. She said the mission addresses various forms of violence, including gender-based violence, economic violence, cybercrime, human trafficking, and emotional and psychological abuse.
Under Mission Shakti, she said, support services include the Universal Women Helpline (181) and the Child Helpline (1098), covering police assistance, medical aid, legal counselling and access to temporary shelter homes. She also spoke on Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat, a national campaign against child marriage, stating that marriage below the age of 18 years is illegal and stressing that child marriage is an evil practice that must be eradicated.
Miss Khiamniungan 2026 and Ambassador of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Noklak, Tsukian Lamheing, speaking on the significance of National Girl Child Day, said the occasion serves as a reminder of society’s responsibility to empower girls. Highlighting the theme, she said girls are not only the future but also present contributors to society, and that denying them education is a loss to all.
As the BBBP ambassador of Noklak, she described the initiative as a social movement to protect the dignity and rights of the girl child. Speaking as Miss Khiamniungan 2026, she said she represents more than a crown, calling herself a voice of leadership and service, and urged families and communities to support girls equally. “Empowering a girl means empowering a nation,” she added.
During the programme, the Lt Supo Memorial Award was presented to meritorious girl students for academic excellence. The awardees were Tangniu Khiamniungan, Niamkoi P and Tsumon P Lam.
Instituted under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Noklak district, in 2023, the Lt Supo Memorial Award is conferred on HSLC and HSSLC girl students from Noklak district who achieve meritorious results. The award serves as a tribute to the legacy of Lt Supo and as a reminder of the continuing challenges faced by women, while also raising awareness against gender-based violence.
A short speech on behalf of the awardees was delivered by Tangniu Khiamniungan. The programme was chaired by Shing B, Gender Specialist, DHEW. Invocation was pronounced by Heme, ex-deacon, ITC DAN, a special number was presented by students of GHS Noklak village, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Indhe, DEO, DHEW.
