Nagaland: Noklak celebrates National Girl Child Day

National Girl Child Day was observed in Noklak on January 24 under the theme “Empowerment, Education, Digital Inclusion, Health, and Leadership”, organized by the District Administration Noklak in collaboration with SANKALP – District Hub for Empowerment of Women and Sakshi One Stop Centre (OSC) Noklak at the DC’s Conference Hall.
According to a DIPR report, SDO (Civil) Noklak, Vikhoto Richa, in his keynote address, highlighted the activities of Mission Shakti in the district aimed at women empowerment. He informed about proposals for a One Stop Centre, including a women’s hostel and short-term shelter, and emphasized the role of the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW). Speaking on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), Richa highlighted efforts to improve the sex ratio, literacy, and skill development, while acknowledging ASHA workers as frontline promoters of institutional deliveries.
Centre Administrator, Sakhi, OSC Noklak, Niamkoi, detailed that Mission Shakti provides support and assistance to women affected by violence, irrespective of age. She explained that the mission addresses multiple forms of violence, including gender-based violence, economic violence, cybercrime, human trafficking, and emotional and psychological abuse. The program also offers support services through the Universal Women Helpline (181) and the Child Helpline (1098), covering police assistance, medical help, legal counselling, and temporary shelter homes.
Niamkoi also highlighted the national campaign Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat, stressing that child marriage under 18 is illegal and describing it as an evil practice that must be eradicated.
Speaking on the significance of the day, Miss Khiamniungan 2026 and BBBP Noklak Ambassador, Tsukian Lamheing, emphasized that girls are not only the future but also present contributors to society. Highlighting the day’s theme, she stated that empowering girls through education, health, leadership, and digital inclusion benefits society as a whole. She described BBBP as a social movement to protect the dignity and rights of the girl child, urging families and communities to support girls equally and stating that empowering a girl is equivalent to empowering a nation.
The event also featured the presentation of the Lt. Supo Memorial Award to meritorious girl students for academic excellence. The awardees included Tangniu Khiamniungan, Niamkoi P., and Tsumon P. Lam. Instituted under BBBP Noklak in 2023, the award recognizes HSLC and HSSLC girl students from the district and honors Lt. Supo’s legacy, while raising awareness about challenges faced by women and gender-based violence. Tangniu Khiamniungan delivered a short speech on behalf of the awardees.
The program was chaired by gender specialist, DHEW, Shing B, with the invocation offered by ex-deacon ITC DAN, Heme. Students of GHS Noklak Village presented a special cultural number, and the event concluded with a vote of thanks by DEO DHEW, Indhe.