MUMBAI: Nine girls coming from culturally diverse backgrounds and different parts of the state have one common message to share – ‘Girls are not any less’. These are Navjyoti’s, nine girls achievers for 2014, who have struggled hard to shape their lives and also bring about change in their own community.
A joint venture of UNICEF and Doordashan Mumbai Kendra, Navjyoti programme aims to give recognition to initiatives taken by the girls despite their adverse circumstances. Started in 2003, Navjyoti celebrated its eleventh year in a colorfully decked studio in Mumbai’s television center Doordarshan in this weekend. Once again, the stories of ‘girl power’ unfolded and stunned the audience during this inspiring and emotional evening. Nine girls from remote Maharashtra were felicitated by Doordashan and UNICEF in Navjyoti awards for resisting child marriages and also helping other girls fight the scourge.
All these girls are being felicitated for being role models in their villages. They come from very underprivileged backgrounds, and struggle to study. Navjyoti awards which are partnered by Doordarshan Sahyadri and UNICEF are an encouragement for them.
These nine Navjoti’s received the UNICEF and Doordarshan Awards this year:
- Rohini Pashte from Pithori Shirasgaon (Jalna)
- Shevanti Rathod from Farhatpur (Tanda) in Latur
- Prateeksha Waghmare from Hiwari Pahari in Beed
- Devika Katingal in Kulbhatti village from Gadchiroli
- Radha Shinde from Ukalgaon in Parbhani
- Ravina Mengar from Chindkle Khaire in Nashik
- Sarla Rathod from Nimpha in Yavatmal district
- Poornima Ade from Sewadas Nagar in Chandrapur district
- Ashwini Gosavi, from Wadale in Nandurbar district.
Doordarshan Addl. director general Mukesh Sharma said, “Doordarshan continues to play its role as a National Broadcaster and believes in encouraging such initiatives which ultimately benefits the entire society. Education has the power to transform lives. If we educate a boy, we educate one person. If we educate a girl, we educate a family - and a whole nation. I have always believed that investing in a girl’s education is investing in a nation’s growth and development”.
For all the Navjyoti girls it was a special moment in their lives. They received honors from eminent and inspiring personalities like Shaina NC, Meera Bowankar, Samruddhi Pore, Nishigandha Wad, Richard Bell, Faiyaaz, Rajeshri Chandrasekhar and Dr. Nandita Palshetkar. The courage of these girls is promising and a reassurance of a bright future for our country,” remained a common feeling expressed by the guests.
DD Sahyadri will telecast the program ‘Navjyoti Sahyadrichya’ on 20 December 2014 from 4:00 pm onwards.
