Lucknow, March 19 The Uttar Pradesh government launched the sixth phase of the 'Mission Shakti' on Thursday, coinciding with the beginning of Chaitra Navratri and organizing programs in schools focusing on faith, creativity, and social awareness.
This special campaign, running from March 19 to 26, will disseminate the message of women empowerment on a large scale through various activities, the government stated.
Poster-making and discussions based on the nine forms of Navdurga were organized in all primary, upper primary, and composite schools, as well as Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV) across the state.
According to an official statement, under this special campaign, 233,000 children created posters based on the nine forms of Navdurga – Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh stated that through 'Mission Shakti', the state government is continuously committed to empowering, protecting, and making girls self-reliant.
Introducing children to the true essence of women's power through the forms of Navdurga is an innovative initiative, he said.
This program strengthens cultural awareness and also helps in developing confidence and leadership skills among girls, he added.
On this occasion, the qualities associated with each form of Navdurga, widely based on courage, discipline, service, knowledge, and leadership, were explained in detail and linked to the personality development of young girls, the statement said.
Discussions were held on topics such as girls' education, safety, self-respect, and rights. Teachers explained that 'Mission Shakti' is not just a government initiative, but a broader social movement aimed at establishing gender equality, it added.
Uttar Pradesh Director General of School Education Monica Rani said that activities based on the nine forms of Navdurga under 'Mission Shakti' are a strong medium to develop confidence, inner strength, and leadership among girls.