Bharuch, Gujarat: Bharuch's Kishori Utkarsh Pahel initiative, led by District Collector Tushar D Sumera, is quietly empowering adolescent girls in the region. Sumera, a young and passionate IAS officer, is dedicated to the welfare and empowerment of the people. Kishori Utkarsh Pahel focuses on providing training and knowledge to adolescent girls on various important topics.

Since its launch on January 24, 2023, the initiative has already made a significant impact, benefiting over 4,100 girls in just four months. The program aims to raise awareness and foster aspirations among young girls by offering training in life skills, health, nutrition, hygiene, sanitation, government schemes, and women's rights.

To ensure widespread participation, the initiative has organized sessions at Anganwadi Centres during evenings and early mornings. Moreover, an extensive door-to-door awareness campaign has successfully reached 84% of school-going and non-school-going girls in Jhagadia Taluka.

During the five-day intensive training, selected girls actively engage in learning essential topics. Through micro and macro assessments, exceptional achievers are identified and honored as 'Gram Jagrut Kishoris' for their dedication.

To reinforce their learning, the initiative plans exposure visits and educational excursions for the 'Gram Jagrut Kishoris.' These experiences provide practical demonstrations in government institutions, allowing the girls to apply their newfound knowledge to real-life situations, informs Sumera, who earned an appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who commended the district for achieving 100% coverage under four national schemes, clubbed under the initiative Utkarsh Pahel.

The Kishori Utkarsh Pahel initiative receives support from the DCM Shriram Foundation and is implemented by Bharat Cares (SMEC Trust), with UNICEF serving as the knowledge partner. Various government departments, including the District Education Office, District Panchayat, Department of Health, District Primary Education Office, and ICDS Cell, collaborate to ensure the success of the initiative.

With a holistic approach and the guidance of 95 dedicated teachers serving as 'Master Trainers,' the initiative's impact is extensive and sustainable.

The Kishori Utkarsh Pahel initiative not only imparts knowledge to adolescent girls in Jhagadia Taluka but also instills confidence in shaping their own future. By investing in education, health, and empowerment, the program cultivates a generation of young women who are prepared to make a positive and lasting difference in society.