Empowering girls: Student made school principal for a day

What if your dream comes true? Something like this happened with the 14-year-old Priyanka Murmu. A student of class 10th of High School in East Singhbhum District, Jamshedpur, Murmu was in for a surprise when she walked into her school recently. Instead of going towards her class, she was directed towards the principal’s chamber. Reason – she was an honorary school principal for that day.

The idea of ‘principal for a day’ was conceptualised by deputy collector Sanjay Kumar Pandey, and is part of the government’s Beti Padhao Beti Bachao campaign to promote girl education and empowerment in the state.

After taking over as principal, Murmur attended assembly prayer and addressed students and teachers. Thereafter, she visited every classroom, interacted with students, and also checked the quality of mid-day meal before it was served to students.

After taking over as principal, Murmur attended assembly prayer and addressed students and teachers. Thereafter, she visited every classroom, interacted with students, and also checked the quality of mid-day meal before it was served to students

Describing it as a dream come true, Murmur said to The Avenue Mail, “I am thankful to the authorities. I think more girls should get such an opportunity. I was amazed and also felt a bit shy by the way the teachers and students greeted me. I enjoyed spending time with the management and learning more about school administration.”

The decision to make Murmu the principal was taken by Pandey, local panchayat representatives and school committee members at the school’s annual function on May 3. She has selected as she has 100 per cent attendance and comes first in her class.

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