Page 10 - Mann ki Baat - English

victim of people's fears. It was right information is conveyed,
during that time that biologist even age-old mindsets can
Purnima Devi Barman witnessed change.
it all. She resolved to change the Friends, I often say: "Those
misconceptions deeply rooted who play, blossom." Today,
in people's minds. She spoke to the number of young people
women and explained the facts in the country who are both
based on science; gradually, playing sports and blossoming
women began joining this is growing rapidly. Compared to
campaign. the past, far more young people
Then, a major transformation are now pursuing sports as a
began. The bird that was once career. I have learned about
driven away as a bad omen two such initiatives in Nagaland
started becoming the identity that are quite interesting. The
of the villages. Thousands of first initiative is the ‘Nagaland
rural women stepped forward Baby League’. Hearing the
to save the ‘Hargila’—today, name, you might presume this is
they are known as the ‘Hargila just an ordinary league for very
Army’. These women also young children, but that is not
had to contend with societal the case. It is an extraordinary
resistance. They worked day and league for children aged 5 to 10
night to convince society and to 12 - blossoming youngsters
ultimately succeeded in leaving - that not only inspires them
superstition behind. They have and nurtures their speed and
demonstrated that when the talent but also helps establish

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