KANYA PUJAN
Sustainable Kanya Pujan Initiative
SUMMARY
The Sustainable Kanya Pujan initiative by Ladli Foundation transforms the traditional Navratri ritual into a socially impactful practice supporting underprivileged girls. Families from privileged backgrounds “socially adopt” adolescent girls, committing to their education, health, and well-being. This year-round support includes providing educational materials, health checkups, and tuition fees, safeguarding girls from challenges like exploitation and early marriage. By aligning cultural traditions with modern values, the initiative bridges social divides, promotes gender equality, and empowers girls with access to education and healthcare for a brighter future.
CAUSE
In India and worldwide, many adolescent girls face significant challenges in accessing basic health and education. Economic hardships, limited access to resources, and lack of social support place these girls at risk of marginalization. Some alarming statistics highlight the urgency :
2.4 crore girls globally are at risk of dropping out of school due to pandemic-related challenges.
In India, female literacy stands at 65.46%, compared to 82.14% for males.
40% of adolescent girls aged 15-18 years in India are not attending school, and 30% from the poorest families have never been to school.
This initiative addresses these urgent issues, aiming to secure basic education and healthcare for these vulnerable girls. Special focus is given to girls who lost parental support, ensuring they receive consistent care and guidance.
OUR ACTION
Sustainable Kanya Pujan reimagines the Navratri Kanya Pujan ritual by empowering privileged families to support the well-being of underprivileged girls. The initiative promotes the following key practices to create a sustainable support system :
Provide Educational Support : After completing the Kanya Pujan ritual, families are encouraged to gift six months’ worth of educational supplies rather than a one-time monetary offering.
Create a Lifelong Bond : Families exchange contact details with the girl’s family, with a commitment to reconnect each Navratri for up to nine years, offering consistent support.
Monthly Check-Ins : Families connect with their “socially adopted” girl at least once a month to monitor her well-being and address any immediate needs.
Annual Health Checkups : Families sponsor yearly health assessments to identify potential health issues early, ensuring timely intervention.
Health and Hygiene Education : Families provide guidance on essential hygiene practices, including menstrual health, to equip the girls with vital knowledge.
Educational Sponsorship : Direct school fee payments are encouraged to cover the girl’s education, supporting her journey and preventing school dropout.
Annual Family Visits : Families visit the girl’s home at least once a year to strengthen the bond, protecting her from potential exploitation and child marriage.
Promote Family Skill Development : Families support initiatives for the girl’s family, such as education and skill-building, to help uplift their socioeconomic status.
Meaningful Worship : By redefining the concept of Kanya Pujan, the program places the girl’s education, health, and personal security at the forefront of the tradition, inspiring a broader societal change.
CELEBRATE THE CONCEPT AT HOME
Sustainable Kanya Pujan also encourages individuals to celebrate this concept at home. Traditionally, many families observe Navratri Kanya Pujan by worshiping young girls to seek blessings for their family’s prosperity. Ladli Foundation expands this concept, motivating families to practice sustainable Kanya Pujan by supporting underprivileged girls through small yet impactful actions :
Educational Gifts : Instead of monetary offerings, provide six months’ worth of educational materials after the ritual.
Stay Connected : Exchange contact details and welcome her back for the next Navratri Kanya Pujan, committing to a continuous bond for nine years.
Check In Monthly : Call her once a month to keep in touch, check on her well-being, and foster a caring relationship.
Annual Health Support : Sponsor her annual health checkup, allowing for early identification and prevention of health issues.
Hygiene and Health Guidance : Educate her on hygiene practices and menstrual health, empowering her with essential knowledge.
Direct Educational Support : Pay her school fees directly, helping her to complete her education and preventing her from dropping out.
Home Visits : Visit her family once a year, boosting her morale and helping protect her from harmful practices.
Support Family Skills : Where possible, encourage and help her family members improve their education and skills.
Respect and Dignity : Make her feel valued, involved, and appreciated, ensuring she knows her health, education, and well-being are important.
IMPACT
The Sustainable Kanya Pujan program has achieved remarkable results since its launch :
Transformed 3,287 Lives : Since 2019, the program has directly impacted the lives of 3,287 adolescent girls across 47 cities in India, providing them with essential support for education and health.
Special Support for 101 Girls : On July 9, 2022, Ladli Foundation celebrated the event in Delhi, focusing on 101 girls in need of consistent support. Each of these girls is now connected with a “social family” who actively contributes to her well-being, education, and healthcare.
Community Engagement : The program has inspired thousands of families to support disadvantaged girls in meaningful ways, fostering community responsibility and ensuring these girls have the resources they need to thrive.
