Mandi, Himachal Pradesh – The district administration of Mandi, in conjunction with the Women and Child Development Department, hosted the DEI (Daughters Empowerment Initiative) Utsav-2026 at Sanskriti Sadan, Kangnidhar. The event was organized to commemorate International Day of the Girl Child, emphasizing the promotion of girls’ empowerment, equality, and rights. The festival’s central theme focused on eradicating child marriage and ensuring equitable opportunities for all girls, under the banner, ‘End the Evil Practice of Child Marriage and Promote the Rights of Girls’.
District Administration Champions Girls’ Rights
Aparajita Chandel, Additional Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Mandi, graced the occasion as the chief guest. She underscored the inherent potential within every girl, stating that daughters are equal to sons in their capabilities. Chandel elaborated that the DEI Utsav aims to foster confidence, self-reliance, and the ability for girls to achieve their aspirations.
The Additional Commissioner reiterated the district administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding girls’ rights and guaranteeing equal opportunities. She highlighted the principle that an individual’s worth should be judged by their accomplishments rather than their attire, thereby stressing the importance of challenging societal stereotypes and promoting a culture of equality.
Students Showcase Talent and Awareness
District Programme Officer Ajay Badrel informed that students from 25 different schools actively participated in the festival, which was conceptualized on the principle of ‘By Children, For Children.’ The event featured a variety of sports and creative competitions designed to engage the young participants and raise awareness.
In the chess competition, Abhinav Verma from Swami Vivekanand Senior Secondary School, Ram Nagar, secured the first position. Arpita of PM Shri GMSSS Mandi achieved the second rank, and Kanishk from Dayanand Arya Vidyalaya secured the third place. The badminton tournament saw Swarajanjali Singh Thakur of Kendriya Vidyalaya Mandi emerge victorious in the under-17 category. In the under-14 badminton competition, Vriti of Government Senior Secondary School, Bagla, clinched the top spot.
Samriddhi Thakur, representing Kendriya Vidyalaya Mandi, won the table tennis competition. In the creative arts segment, Divyanshi of Anglo Sanskrit Model School secured first place in slogan writing. The poster-making competition was won by Ananya of Dayanand Arya Vidyalaya.
Academic Excellence Honoured
The DEI Utsav also served as a platform to recognize and honour meritorious girl students. Several students who achieved distinction in the Class X and XII examinations, conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education during the 2025-26 academic session, were felicitated for their academic achievements. The initiative aims to inspire other young girls by celebrating their success and encouraging them to pursue their educational goals.
The organization of the DEI Utsav in Mandi highlights a concerted effort by local authorities to address gender inequality and child marriage, while simultaneously fostering an environment that celebrates and supports the development of young girls. The event successfully brought together students, educators, and administrators in a collective endeavor to promote the empowerment and rights of girls in the region.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
