Lucknow: Marking International Women’s Day, the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department organized a large-scale children’s festival titled “Pragati: From Self-Respect to Equality – Bal Utsav” at Dayal Gateway in Lucknow. The event highlighted girls’ empowerment, dignity, and equal opportunities, bringing together students, teachers, and parents from across the state.
The programme was inaugurated by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Basic Education Sandeep Singh, who lit the ceremonial lamp and released comic books prepared by students, inspiring success stories of former members of the Meena Manch initiative, and case study booklets related to Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya schools.
Speaking at the event, the minister emphasized that women’s empowerment is essential for the progress of society. He said the state government under Yogi Adityanath has taken several steps to strengthen girls’ education, safety, and empowerment. Currently, 746 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas are functioning in the state and are being upgraded up to Class XII, with plans to establish such schools in all 826 development blocks to ensure better educational opportunities for girls.
Partha Sarathi Sen Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, highlighted the significant progress made in girls’ education in Uttar Pradesh over the past two decades and stressed the importance of ensuring that no child remains out of school through the School Chalo Campaign.
Director General of School Education Monica Rani said initiatives like Meena Manch are helping girls build confidence and leadership skills by encouraging them to express their ideas and participate in academic and cultural activities.
The event featured vibrant performances by students, including flash mobs, street plays, dance, mime, and yoga demonstrations, all conveying messages of women’s empowerment and gender equality. Around 850 children from different districts participated in the programme.
A major highlight of the event was the felicitation of 23 talented girls and former students who have excelled in fields such as sports, academics, innovation, and social leadership. The venue also showcased 22 thematic stalls presenting innovative teaching materials, gender-sensitive education models, social-emotional learning activities, career counseling initiatives, and community participation programmes.
The Pragati Bal Utsav, launched as a pilot initiative in 2024, has now expanded across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh for the 2025–26 academic year. Organized in three phases—district, divisional, and state level—the programme aims to encourage creativity, leadership, and equal opportunities for girls.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from participants and organizers to promote respect, equality, and empowerment for girls through education and social awareness
