Odia girl wins debate competition on menstrual awareness in Delhi

New Delhi: Odia girl Geetanjali Marndi shared the stage with bollywood actors Akshaya Kumar and Shabana Azmi after winning a debate competition organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) in Delhi on May 28.

15-year-old Marndi secured first position in the competition by sharing her views on the topic 'Absenteeism of girl child in school, the impact of menstrual hygiene.'

There were 21 female students across the country who had participated in the event in which Marndi emerged winner and won cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and a trophy.

Marndi is a Class X student of Kapilas Girls High School in Gondia block of Dhenkanal district.

"Out of 21 contestants, 12 were selected for a panel discussion. Nine contestants were awarded during the program. I was awarded with Rs 5 lakh," said Gitanjali Marndi.

In the last round of the event, Akshay Kumar had asked multiple questions to the participants during which Marndi impressed the panelists.

Earlier on Monday, Bhubaneswar city administration authorities organized a special orientation workshop titled ‘Asantu Katha Heba’ (Come, Let’s Talk), on the occasion of the World Menstrual Hygiene Day.