Dr AR Lone
Khumriyal, Kupwara – 11 October 2024: The Anhad Community Centre proudly marked the International Day of the Girl Child, a United Nations-recognized event, with a day full of activities dedicated to raising awareness about gender inequality and advocating for the empowerment of girls in local communities.
The program featured an insightful speech by Bhavana Prakash Rao, a fieldwork student from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, who traced the history and significance of the day. “The International Day of the Girl Child was first celebrated on October 11, 2012,” she noted, emphasizing the urgent need to address gender discrimination. Rao shed light on critical areas where girls continue to face barriers, including access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care, and protection from violence and forced child marriage
A significant highlight of the event was the launch of the Fatima Shaikh Children’s Library , named in honor of India’s first Muslim woman teacher and an advocate of women’s education. Mirza Ali, also a student from TISS, played a pivotal role in organizing the library by collecting over 450 books through donations from friends and supporting organizations.
The library is set to offer a diverse collection of books, art supplies, and indoor games, with future expansions already in the pipeline. Speaking at the launch, Ali stressed the importance of reading in shaping young minds, promoting critical thinking, and fostering a broader worldview. He shared the inspiring story behind the
Maryam Mirza Mohalla Libraries Movement, initiated by the Read and Lead Foundation, and recounted how the establishment of the
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Mohalla Library in Aurangabad transformed rowdy and unruly children into well-behaved, thoughtful individuals through the power of reading and community building.
Cultural and Artistic Performances
The celebration continued with a thought-provoking puppet show presented by Ashna Kandari, Bhavana Prakash Rao, and Akib, a student of the Anhad Community Centre. The show beautifully conveyed the importance of celebrating and supporting girl children.
Ms. Mubeena Akhtar, a respected teacher from Khumriyal, inaugurated the library. She expressed her hope that the new facility would be a beacon of learning and growth for the village and its neighboring communities.
Local village children further enlivened the event with soulful performances of traditional songs, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere.
Shabnam Hashmi added further depth to the event by sharing her inspiring journey of activism, drawing connections between her work and the legacy of Fatima Shaikh, who was a close friend of Savitribai Phule and the first Muslim woman teacher in India.
Anhad Community Centre’s Commitment
The International Day of the Girl Child celebration at the Anhad Community Centre underscores its commitment to empowering girls and promoting social change in the region. The Centre remains dedicated to fostering learning environments and opportunities for children, especially girls, while addressing broader social issues affecting marginalized communities.
Arun Kumar , Shahid Farooq and Ishfaq Mir supported the whole endevour.
