Girls from Doda visit IIT Jammu under ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ program
On February 1, 2026, a group of 68 girl students from Doda district, accompanied by their escorts, embarked on an educational tour to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu. This initiative was organized under the government’s ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme, which aims to empower young girls by promoting education and encouraging them to reach their full potential.
Objective of the Visit
The primary goal of the visit was to expose these young girls to advanced academic and research environments, fostering curiosity and building confidence. The initiative is part of a broader effort to motivate students, particularly girls, to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Participants and Their Backgrounds
The visiting students represented a diverse range of academic levels, from Class 8 to graduation. This diversity allowed for a rich exchange of ideas and experiences, as the students were able to learn from one another as well as from the faculty at IIT Jammu.
Guidance and Support
The tour was conducted under the guidance of several key figures at IIT Jammu:
- Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur – Director
- Prof. Meenakshi Rajeev – Dean of Outreach and Skill Development
- Dr. Sameer K S P – Associate Dean
Activities During the Visit
The students were introduced to the dynamic learning ecosystem at IIT Jammu. The visit included several key activities designed to enhance their understanding of the academic culture and research-oriented environment:
- Visit to the I2EDC Lab Protospace: Here, students observed how innovative ideas are transformed into practical solutions through hands-on experimentation.
- Exploration of the 3D Printing Lab: The students witnessed a live demonstration of 3D printing technology and learned about its real-world applications.
Interactive Session
The visit concluded with an interactive session led by Prof. Meenakshi Rajeev. During this session, she shared valuable insights and data highlighting the increasing achievements of girls across various fields. Prof. Rajeev emphasized the importance of continuing education and strongly encouraged the students not to discontinue their studies, particularly during foundational stages.
Impact of the Educational Tour
The educational tour provided an enriching hands-on learning experience for the students. It enabled them to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications, inspiring them to consider future careers in science, technology, and engineering. The exposure to a prestigious institution like IIT Jammu is expected to motivate these young girls to pursue higher education and aspire to excel in their chosen fields.
Conclusion
Overall, the visit to IIT Jammu under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ program was a significant step towards empowering young girls from Doda. By providing them with exposure to advanced educational environments, the initiative aims to foster a generation of confident, educated women ready to take on challenges in various professional fields.
Note: The ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme is a government initiative aimed at promoting gender equality and ensuring the survival, protection, and education of the girl child in India.
