Jamshedpur, May 6 : Priyanka Murmu, a class 10 student of Upgraded High School located in a small hamlet Durku near Jadugora of East Singhbhum District, when walked into her school on Saturday, it was not like the other normal days.
Instead of a student taking seat in her classroom, she was asked to sit in the Principal�s chair!
In a novel way to promote girl education and empowerment, CM�s camp office in the city took initiative to make Priyanka the principal under �Beti Padhao Beti Bachao� campaign to start �principal for a day� initiative.
The decision was taken during school�s annual function on May 3. Local panchayat representatives, school committee members and deputy collector Sanjay Kumar decided to appoint Priyanka as school principal for a day. She has cent percent attendance rate to her name and she comes first in her class.
�It is like a dream come true. I never expected I was going to be announced as Principal for a day. It took me by surprise when the announcement was made in the morning Assembly,� said the 14-year-old unable to conceal her happiness.
She said that initiatives like these will help to attract girls towards education. In her address to the students and teachers, she said that during school holiday they must make efforts to bring back drop out students. This will help to increase literacy rate too.
Sharing her experiences, she said being the principal was definitely was a responsible task. �I started my day with the morning announcements and for the first time ever, I checked the quality of Mid-Day meal myself. Then I visited all the classrooms and interacted with students,� said Priyanka.
� 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,� she added.
Sunil Kumar, the Principal of the school said �We selected her based on discipline, academics and participation in competitions. Priyanka is truely a pride of the school.�
He further added that such innovative exercises will encourage the students to develop their self-confidence and motivate them to keep doing better. He also said that the effort will help to attract girls in villages towards education.
