https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Daughters are a Symbol of Pride, Not Burden

"We want to create a society where having a daughter is seen as an achievement, not an obligation. We appeal to everyone to contribute in any way possible—be it through policy suggestions, financial support, or simply spreading awareness,” says IAS Aditya Singh. 
Indian Masterminds Stories

For centuries, the birth of a girl child in many families has been met with mixed emotions—celebration for some, but apprehension and concern for others. Despite the progress society has made, deep-seated biases still exist, often making parents of daughters feel they must prove their worth. Imagine a mother who prays for her daughter’s bright future, a father who worries about the challenges she might face, or a young girl who grows up wondering why she is sometimes treated differently. 

In Harda, Madhya Pradesh, despite the region’s economic prosperity, the sex ratio remained alarmingly low at 894 girls per 1,000 boys. This stark reality led IAS officer Aditya Singh (2014 batch, Madhya Pradesh Cadre), the District Collector of Harda, Madhya Pradesh, to take action. Determined to shift mindsets and foster a sense of pride in families raising daughters, he introduced the Reva Shakti Initiative and the Keerti Card, aiming to celebrate girl children and change societal attitudes.

IAS Aditya Singh, DC, Harda, Madhya Pradesh

IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM 

“Despite having all the resources, if the sex ratio is not normal, there has to be a deeper reason,” IAS Aditya Singh told Indian Masterminds. Harda, a prosperous agricultural region, lacked economic disadvantages that might have contributed to gender imbalance. However, societal mindsets remained a significant barrier. The initiative was designed to instill a sense of pride in parents of girl children by offering tangible privileges and recognition.

The initiative was named Reva Shakti after the sacred Narmada River, which flows through Harda. This symbolic association highlights strength, prosperity, and the nurturing essence of both nature and womanhood.

THE KEERTI CARD 

To reinforce positive change, the administration introduced the Keerti Card, which translates to ‘achievement’—a deliberate attempt to counter the outdated notion that daughters are liabilities. The Keerti Card grants exclusive benefits to families with only girl children, including:

Keerti Card
  • Priority access to government services: Families can bypass queues at government offices, including those of the Collector and Superintendent of Police, ensuring swift redressal of their concerns.
  • Dedicated Keerti Corners in government offices: These special desks allow families to submit applications online or offline, with guaranteed doorstep service delivery.
  • Healthcare benefits: In hospitals, Keerti Card holders receive priority in OPD services, ensuring timely medical attention without disadvantaging others.

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN CHANGE 

Recognising that sustainable social change requires broader involvement beyond government programs, Mr. Singh ensured private sector participation in Reva Shakti. Over 150 private institutions have already joined, with another 50 expected to enroll soon. Businesses, hotels, restaurants, and educational institutions have stepped up to offer discounts and special privileges for families raising daughters.

Key collaborations include:

  • Hotels and restaurants: Providing discounts to Keerti Card holders.
  • Transport associations: Offering 25% fare reductions on buses.
  • Educational institutions: Schools and coaching centres, including reputed institutions in Bhopal, have pledged free coaching for girls.
  • Tourism incentives: Even hoteliers from Pachmarhi, a nearby hill station, have volunteered to support the initiative.

“The government alone cannot bring about social transformation. This has to be a citizen-driven movement, and the response so far has been overwhelming,” Mr. Singh remarked.

THE DAUGHTERS CLUB 

A significant component of Reva Shakti is the Daughters Club, which includes all parents with girl children—whether they have only daughters or both sons and daughters. The club celebrates the achievements of girls twice a month, providing a platform to highlight their successes in academics, sports, arts, and other fields.

“We want to create an environment where parents feel proud of having daughters. The Daughters Club ensures continuous engagement and recognition for their accomplishments,” Mr. Singh emphasised.

FUTURE GOALS 

Unlike many social initiatives, Reva Shakti has faced minimal resistance due to its positive messaging and inclusive approach. However, the biggest challenge remains converting social change into long-term results. The administration is focused on ensuring that the program remains impactful beyond its initial launch.

To sustain momentum, the administration has introduced the Reva Mitra initiative, honouring individuals and organisations that actively support the movement. On January 26, those who contributed significantly were felicitated, reinforcing the idea that social change is a collective responsibility.

The formal launch of Reva Shakti took place on January 24, National Girl Child Day, following a month of groundwork. The initiative was met with enthusiasm, as more families and institutions voluntarily joined the cause. The administration aims to expand the program further, encouraging more businesses, schools, and transport services to participate.

A CALL FOR CHANGE 

“This initiative is not just about policies and benefits; it’s about changing mindsets,” said Mr. Singh. “We want to create a society where having a daughter is seen as an achievement, not an obligation. We appeal to everyone to contribute in any way possible—be it through policy suggestions, financial support, or simply spreading awareness.”

With its innovative approach, strong community backing, and commitment to long-term impact, the Reva Shakti Initiative is poised to reshape societal attitudes toward the girl child in Harda, setting a powerful example for other districts to follow.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Northern-Coalfields-Limited-NCL-Resized
NCL Signs MoU to Support Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in Singrauli - All Details Inside
Ruchika Chauhan IAS
Leading By Example: Gwalior DC Ruchika Chauhan Arrives At Her Office Boarding An E-Rickshaw! Delivers A Strong Message On World Environment Day
KVIC Khadi and Village Industries
KVIC Disburses Rs. 300 Crore Margin Money Subsidy Under PMEGP to Boost Self-Employment - Details Inside
HUDCO New Logo
HUDCO Champions Green Urban Development on World Environment Day 2025
Mayur Dixit IAS
Who is IAS Mayur Dixit, the New DM of Haridwar? Uttarakhand Bureaucracy in Buzz Amid Land Scam Fallout
Prime Minister’s Museum & Library, Delhi1
IRSME Ashwani Lohani Appointed Director of Prime Minister’s Museum & Library, Delhi - Know More About Him & the Historic Institution
World Environment Day
PSUs Observe World Environment Day 2025 with Strong Commitment to Sustainability and Green Practices - Check Here!
BEL Bharat Electronics Limited
Bharat Electronics (BEL) Secures Rs 2,323 Cr Defence Orders from MDL & GRSE; FY26 Order Book Crosses Rs 6,200 Cr Mark
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Monika Singh
Monika Singh’s Life Beyond the Bureaucracy | Video Interview 
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
Modernising Governance: A Digital Transformation in Gangtok
IMG-20250523-WA0036
Abhishek Singh's SECRET: Vipassana, Anthropology & Smart Answer Writing | Video Interview 
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
Divyanshu Pal Nagar IFS
5 Years, 5 Mains, 4 Interviews: How Divyanshu Pal Nagar Stumbled in CSE, Triumphed in IFS - A Lesson for Every Aspirant
Divyanshu Pal Nagar’s inspiring five-year UPSC journey shows how perseverance, disciplined self-study,...
ANUBHAV SINGH UPSC IFS 2024
9 Years, 8 Attempts, 7 Failures: How Anubhav Singh Cracked UPSC IFS 2024 with AIR 3 Against All Odds | Exclusive
Anubhav Singh’s inspiring journey to UPSC IFS Rank 3 showcases relentless perseverance, strategic preparation,...
Jogender Sihag
“I Cleared UPSC, But My Grandfather isn’t Here to Hear it,” Jogender Sihag, AIR 521, UPSC CSE 2024
"Life is short; make the most of it, whether in civil service or any other field. Just have a clear vision...
Social Media
Tiger jump Sundarban
Stunning Viral Video Shows Royal Bengal Tiger Making Spectacular 30-Foot Leap Across River in Sunderbans - See It Here
Retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Susanta Nanda shared the clip online, which quickly went...
shubham kumar ias marriage
IAS Topper Weds BPSC Topper: Shubham Kumar Marries IRS Officer Priyangi Mehta in Patna; Wedding Video Goes Viral
Topper Couple Alert: Shubham Kumar, Priyangi Mehta’s Wedding Grabs Spotlight in Bihar
parveen kaswan elephant
Elephant Outsmarts Electric Fence! IFS Parveen Kaswan Shares Incredible Video!
In the now-viral 51-second clip, the intelligent giant approaches a wooden pole supporting high-voltage...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Northern-Coalfields-Limited-NCL-Resized
NCL Signs MoU to Support Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in Singrauli - All Details Inside
Ruchika Chauhan IAS
Leading By Example: Gwalior DC Ruchika Chauhan Arrives At Her Office Boarding An E-Rickshaw! Delivers A Strong Message On World Environment Day
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Monika Singh
IAS Tushar G Nikhare
IMG-20250523-WA0036
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT