Lucknow: In a landmark move to advance women’s safety, dignity, and empowerment, the Uttar Pradesh government under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath marked the occasion of Navratri with large-scale Kanya Pujan ceremonies as part of the Mission Shakti 5.0 campaign. Celebrated on Ashtami (September 30) and continuing into Navami (October 1), the initiative honored the girl child as a symbol of strength and the future of the state.
According to official data, over 5 lakh girls were honored in traditional Kanya Pujan programs across the state on Ashtami alone. In a major empowerment step, more than 1,500 girls were directly connected to the Kanya Sumangala Yojana, a flagship financial assistance scheme of the UP government that supports girls from birth to higher education with ₹25,000 in phased support.
Kanya Pujan: A Ritual Turned Social Revolution
The ceremonies, traditionally religious in nature, took on a broader social and cultural meaning this year. They served as a powerful statement against gender discrimination, reinforcing the message that the birth of a daughter is a blessing, not a burden.
“Daughters are the foundation of families and the strength of society,” the government said in a statement, highlighting the campaign’s broader goal of reshaping social attitudes.
Widespread Participation Across State
The event saw the participation of:
- Ministers
- District administration officials
- Public representatives
- Community leaders
- Volunteers from various departments and civil society organizations
These stakeholders gathered in both urban and rural locations to conduct Kanya Pujan events, showcasing the state-wide scale and importance of the campaign.
Empowering Through Awareness and Access
To ensure real impact beyond ceremony, information counters were set up at many venues to:
- Educate families about the Kanya Sumangala Yojana
- Facilitate on-the-spot registrations
- Offer health, education, and safety resources
Girls were also exposed to cultural performances, folk songs, and motivational sessions promoting education, nutrition, self-reliance, and social equality.
A Broader Mission of Change
Launched on September 20, Mission Shakti 5.0 has evolved into a comprehensive social campaign targeting the empowerment of women and girls in Uttar Pradesh. Alongside symbolic initiatives like Kanya Pujan, the campaign fights against:
- Child marriage
- Educational neglect
- Poor health access
- Gender-based discrimination
As per Women’s Welfare Director Sandeep Kaur, the initiative will play a crucial role in fostering a positive social outlook on daughters and help drive long-term progress across the state.
Mission Shakti 5.0: Lighting the Flame of Equality
With continued focus on safety, dignity, and economic empowerment, Mission Shakti 5.0 is shaping into a model of inclusive development. As the ceremonies conclude, the message resonates clearly: daughters are not liabilities, but invaluable assets and leaders of tomorrow.
The campaign’s inclusive approach, combined with tangible benefits like financial aid and social education, is paving the way for a gender-equal Uttar Pradesh—one girl at a time.
