Varanasi, 28 July (HS): Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben

Patel presented gold medals to meritorious students at the convocation ceremony

of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth held at Rudraksh Convention Centre, Sigra,

Varanasi on Tuesday. On this occasion, under the government-run HPV (Human

Papilloma Virus) vaccination campaign, girls aged 14 years and below 15 years

were administered HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. Governor Anandiben

Patel herself encouraged the girls by giving them certificates after

vaccination. During this, certificates were given by the Governor to Aaradhya

Shah, Aditi Kumari, Mihika, Roshni Patel, Shabnam Khatoon and Palak.

At the convocation, Governor Anandiben Patel stated that the

HPV vaccine is an effective and safe social protection shield for girls against

cervical cancer. Appealing to girls and parents, she said, Don't be

afraid, face it. This vaccine is for your protection. She added that

scientific research has proven that this vaccine is safe and effective in

reducing the risk of future cervical cancer. She urged parents to disregard any

rumors, misconceptions, or unnecessary fears and to vaccinate their daughters

on time.

She also emphasized the need to end the discrimination

between sons and daughters in society, saying, A healthy daughter is the

foundation of a healthy family, a healthy society, and a developed

nation. She also appealed to capable citizens and organizations to

support and contribute financially to this campaign, so that no daughter is

deprived of this important protective shield. During the programme, HPV

vaccination was done for 155 girls in the Commissioner's Auditorium and 96

girls in the Rudraksh Convention Centre. Chief Development Officer Prakhar

Kumar Singh, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mukesh Kumar, District Immunization

Officer Dr. S.S. Kannaujiya and other district level officers were present on

the occasion.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi