Mysuru: National Girl Child Day was observed at the District Health Officer’s office in Nazarbad, Mysuru, recently. The event was jointly organised by District Administration, ZP and the Health and Family Welfare Department.

During the celebration, District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. P.C. Kumaraswamy, along with Health Education Officer and office staff, held placards with the message, “Girl Child is Not a Tension, but Ten Sense,” emphasising the importance of girl child.

He explained that National Girl Child Day, celebrated annually on Jan. 24, aims to raise awareness about the protection of girl child and prevention of female foeticide. He stressed that the purpose of the event is to highlight the crucial role of girl child in both family and society, sending a message that “a girl is not a curse, but a blessing.”

Save female foetus

National Girl Child Day was celebrated with the message, “Save female foetus and nurture girl child.” DHO emphasised that female staff should be treated equally and with respect, without having their rights violated.

He urged that priority be given to health and education of girls and called for commitment to prevent female foeticide. He also pointed out the need for efforts to reduce the mortality rates among mothers and children.

Dr. Kumaraswamy appealed to society to take collective action to protect the girl child. He highlighted that encouraging female foeticide, engaging in sex determination or violating related laws is a crime punishable by law and a fine. He further stressed the importance of ensuring that the sex ratio does not fall, as it directly affects the health of society.

“It is only when the status of the girl child is elevated and she is empowered that society will happily welcome the birth of a girl,” he said adding, “Males and females are like the two eyes of society. It is essential to understand this, so there will be no imbalance between genders.”

Kodagu DHO Dr. Satish, Kodagu District Family Welfare Officer Dr. Anand, Mysuru District Family Welfare Officer Dr. S. Gopinath, Administrative Officer Jayaprakash, District Leprosy Eradication Officer Dr. Brinda, H.D. Kote Taluk Health Officer Dr. Ravikumar, District Health Education Officer M. Muneendramma and others were present on the occasion.