Campus Times| Lucknow

The Basic Education Department organized the ‘Pragati: From Self-Respect to Equality’ Bal Utsav in Gomti Nagar on Sunday, bringing together nearly 850 students, teachers, and parents from across the state. The event featured 22 thematic stalls, which emerged as major attractions for visitors.

During the programme, girls presented flash mobs, street plays, dance, yoga demonstrations, and mime performances based on themes of women’s empowerment and self-respect. Through these activities, participants highlighted the importance of girls’ education, rights, and equal opportunities in society.

Remarkable Success

On the occasion, 23 talented girls and alumni who have achieved remarkable success in fields such as sports, education, innovation, and social awareness were honoured. Among them were Anokhi and Payal Pal, students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya in Malihabad, who have been selected for the state football team trials. The state-level programme also witnessed the release of comic books prepared by children, inspirational success stories of former Meena Manch members, and a case-study booklet related to Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas.

Chief Guest Sandeep Singh said that earlier girls received fewer opportunities compared to boys, but today they are excelling in education, sports, science, administration, and technology. Director General of School Education Monica Rani noted that the Bal Utsav initiative began in 2024 and has been expanded to all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh for 2025–26.