New Delhi, October 16 (H.S.): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta performed Kanya Pujan at the CM Shri School in Shalimar Bagh on Friday on the occasion of Sharad Navratri. During the programme, bicycles were distributed to approximately 1,400 Class IX girl students studying at various government schools in the Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Kanya Pujan was not merely a religious tradition but also conveyed a message of respect for daughters, equality and recognition of their importance. In Indian culture, girls are regarded as symbols of strength, knowledge, compassion and prosperity. She emphasised that the true spirit of Kanya Pujan could be fulfilled only when society not only respected daughters but also ensured that they had access to education, safety, self-confidence and equal opportunities to progress.

The Chief Minister said daughters were not only a source of pride for their families but also the foundation of society’s and the nation’s future. She stressed that families, schools and society must work together to nurture their talents, help them fulfil their aspirations and enable them to become self-reliant.

CM Rekha Gupta said bicycles had been distributed to 1,400 girl students during the programme. The initiative specifically targeted Class IX students, as this stage represents an important milestone in their educational journey. She added that 28,000 bicycles had so far been distributed across Delhi under the Vidya Vahini Scheme, with the government aiming to distribute a total of 1.50 lakh bicycles.

The Chief Minister underscored the important role of parents, teachers and schools in ensuring that girls continued their education without interruption. She said parents should prioritise their daughters’ education and ensure that they attended school regularly. The responsibilities of teachers and school heads, she added, extended beyond imparting education to fostering confidence, leadership skills and strong values among girl students.

She further stated that empowering daughters was not solely the responsibility of the government or educational institutions. Every member of the family and society must contribute towards ensuring that no girl was deprived of education.

CM Rekha Gupta said the initiative was intended to make access to school easier for girl students, reduce transportation-related difficulties and encourage them to continue their education. She also performed Kanya Pujan and offered prayers for the girls’ bright future, happiness, prosperity and success.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar