KalingaTV News Network
New Delhi: Odisha’s Geetanjali Marandi won a debate competition conducted on the topic ‘Absenteeism of girl child in school, the impact of menstrual hygiene’ at the ‘Niine Movement’s Menstrual Awareness Conclave’ in Delhi on Monday.
Marandi, a Class X student of Kapilas Girls High School in Gondia block of Dhenkanal district, emerged winner from the 21 girl students across the country.
The 15-year-old Odisha girl won a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and a trophy by sharing her views on the topic.
She shared the stage with bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Shabana Azmi during the event which was organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF).
Speaking about her achievement, Gitanjali said, “Out of 21 contestants, 12 were selected for a panel discussion. Nine contestants were awarded during the program. I was awarded with Rs 5 lakh.”
She interacted with Deputy director of UNFPA Asia Pacific regional office Dr.Jennifer Butler in a panel discussion.
Akshay Kumar, who was the Chief Guest of the event, had asked multiple questions to the participants in the last round during which Marandi impressed the panelists.
Geetanjali was nominated for the conclave by the ST & SC development department of the Odisha government.
The Niine Movement is a five-year plan aimed at raising awareness about menstrual hygiene as well as tackling taboos related to menstruation.
Former secretary general of UN Woman Laxmi Puri and head of Royal Commonwealth Society Shivani Wazir Pasrich also attended the conclave that was organised to mark the International Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Ms Kalinga