About this stamp
Empowered Girl, Empowered Society
The National Children’s Day 1998 commemorative postage stamp highlighted an important national message: “Empowered Girl – Empowered Society.” It reflected India’s growing commitment to the welfare, protection, and development of the girl child.
This initiative emphasized that the progress of society depends greatly on ensuring equal opportunities for girls through education, health, and empowerment.
SAARC Decade of the Girl Child (1991–2000)
The Government of India implemented the National Plan of Action for the SAARC Decade of the Girl Child (1991–2000 AD).
This regional initiative aimed to ensure equality and dignity for every girl child by setting specific goals for:
- Survival of the girl child
- Protection from discrimination and exploitation
- Development through education and healthcare
- Changing harmful social attitudes and behavioral practices
The plan recognized that empowering girls is essential for national development.
Balika Samriddhi Yojana
To support this vision, the Department of Women & Child Development launched the Balika Samriddhi Yojana.
The objective of the scheme was to empower the girl child and improve her social and economic status.
The program focused on encouraging families to value daughters and support their education and well-being.
Stamp Design and Symbolism
The National Children’s Day 1998 stamp featured Meena, a symbolic girl child character representing confidence, awareness, and empowerment.
The inscription:
“Empowered Girl – Empowered Society”
highlighted the message that when girls are educated, safe, and supported, the entire society benefits.
First Day Cover Theme
The First Day Cover included a painting created by a child, emphasizing the importance of education for children.
This artistic element reinforced the idea that learning is the foundation for confidence, equality, and a brighter future.
Importance of Girl Child Empowerment
The message of National Children’s Day 1998 remains highly relevant today. Empowering girls leads to:
- Better education outcomes
- Improved family health
- Economic progress
- Greater gender equality
- Stronger communities
An empowered girl becomes an empowered citizen and future leader.
Conclusion
The National Children’s Day 1998 commemorative stamp celebrated the vision of a just and progressive society where every girl child has equal opportunities to grow and succeed. Through initiatives like the Balika Samriddhi Yojana and the message “Empowered Girl – Empowered Society,” India reaffirmed its commitment to children’s rights and gender equality.
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