Udaipur, August 27 (Udaipur Kiran): In a remarkable example of women empowerment and the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 26 meritorious girls from Udaipur’s tribal region recently experienced their first-ever air journey. This unique initiative, led by Udaipur Rural MLA Phoolsingh Meena and his wife Shantidevi, took place on Ganesh Chaturthi.

The students, who excelled in their Class 10 and 12 board examinations, flew to Jaipur where they met Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa. They also visited educational and historic sites in the state capital, making it a memorable and inspiring day for these young achievers.

An Exemplary Initiative to Empower Tribal Girls

MLA Phoolsingh Meena annually selects top-scoring girls from each panchayat and ward of his constituency for this special trip. The initiative, which began with just three girls, has now grown significantly, with 56 girls qualifying this year. The first group of 30 students traveled earlier, while the second batch of 26 undertook the air journey on Wednesday.

During their meeting with the Governor and Chief Minister, the students shared their career aspirations in an informal and encouraging environment. Both leaders urged them to dream big and work for the progress of the nation, praising MLA Meena’s efforts to promote girls’ education and curb child marriage in the tribal region.

At the event, Siddhi Mehta, a student from Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Tekri, presented a poem to the Governor, symbolizing the gratitude and aspirations of these young minds.

Learning Beyond the Classroom: A Tour of Jaipur’s Heritage

As part of the educational tour, the girls visited Constitution Park to learn about India’s constitutional values and observed proceedings at the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. MLA Meena, who serves on the Speaker’s panel and chairs the Tribal Welfare Committee for the second consecutive term, personally explained the Assembly’s functioning and procedures to the students.

The itinerary also included visits to Jaipur’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Jantar Mantar, home to the world’s largest sundial, and the iconic Hawa Mahal built in the shape of Lord Krishna’s crown. The trip provided both cultural enrichment and scientific exposure to the young participants.

A Personal Story of Inspiration

MLA Meena’s dedication to education is deeply personal. Due to family circumstances, he left school at the age of 15, but inspired by his five highly educated daughters, he resumed studies 40 years later and recently appeared for his final M.A. postgraduate examination at the age of 55.

He shared that many girls in his constituency aspire to excel academically and travel to Jaipur under this initiative. “The biggest reward is seeing families become more conscious about their daughters’ education, and the positive impact it has on reducing child marriages in our region,” he said.

This heartwarming effort is not just about a trip; it is a journey towards changing mindsets, inspiring girls to dream higher, and building a brighter future for the tribal region of Udaipur.