KOHIMA—, July 20 (EMN): Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, advisor of school education and SCERT, mentioned on Thursday that the election of two women as legislators in Nagaland, after 60 years of statehood, is more than symbolic - it signifies the importance of providing equal opportunities to all.
Speaking as a special guest during the commencement of a two-day inter-school athletic meet under the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' initiative at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, he said that India is a diverse country and Nagaland may not mirror the situation of the rest of India.
He remarked that 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' is not merely about saving girls but about empowering them.
He encouraged students to extend their involvement beyond the classroom and engage in sports, adding that one could even aspire to be a professional sportsperson.
Yhome expressed hope that similar sports events will be conducted at the state level in the future.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]In his keynote address, DC Kohima, Shanavas C, asserted that education is the first step towards empowering the girl child and highlighted that in India, the child sex ratio per 1000 males has slipped below 900 for girls.
Education, according to Shanavas C, should not be limited to teaching subjects, but should also foster all-round development in arts and sports.
He revealed that approximately 33 schools, including 24 private and nine government schools in the Kohima district, with over 200 students, are participating in the meet. He assured that more schools will participate in the future.
At the inaugural program, two girls - Vikono Kezo and Edikunu Rikha - were recognised as girl achievers in the field of sports under the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' initiative.
During the two-day meet, around 230 students under 18 years will compete in various sports such as race, high jump, long jump, shot put, and discus throw.
The event is being organised by the Kohima district administration in collaboration with the district sports office, the Kohima district athletic association, and the district hub for empowerment of women, Kohima.