Symbolism plays a significant role in public life. Perhaps keeping it in mind, and with an aim to boost public confidence in the government-run education system, the District Magistrate of historic Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh, Pulkit Garg (IAS:2016:UP), got his three-year-old daughter, Siya, enrolled in a government Anganwadi Centre instead of any top private school.
Garg admitted his daughter to the playgroup at the anganwadi attached to a government composite school in Karvi’s Naya Bazaar area of Chitrakoot.
He made the occasion special by personally visiting the school and completing the admission process like an ordinary parent around four days ago. Officials believe the move reflects the administration’s efforts to encourage enrollment in government-run institutions.
Since joining the anganwadi, Siya has been seen happily participating in classroom activities. Her videos, now circulating on social media, show her playing with toys, engaging in educational activities, and dancing with other children to poems, drawing widespread attention online.
This move is being widely viewed as a noble act by the DM. Incidentally, Chitrakoot is Pulkit Garg’s first posting as district magistrate, where he has completed only four months. During this short time, he has earned recognition for notable work in the field of water conservation. The young IAS officer wants the public perception about the government-run institutions to change, saying the situation is changing now as the quality of education has improved continuously in government institutions. “If an IAS officer can educate his child in a government institution, ordinary parents should not hesitate,” he averred.
Garg pointed out that perceptions around government schools and anganwadi centres have changed significantly in recent years.
He stressed that nutrition, health, values, and a safe environment are the most important needs in a child’s early years, and anganwadi centres are effectively fulfilling this responsibility.
The Chitrakoot DM exhorted parents, villagers, and officials to move beyond social perceptions and place trust in government schools and anganwadi centres. He opined that children at govt centres receive education along with values, safety, and care, and the public education system will become stronger only when people show faith in it.
Join Us on WhatsApp