Speaking at the three-day awareness camp organised at  Sri Ram Rural High School at Kondetimmanahalli, Ms mangala said rural girls must be protected from being carried away unwanted attractions.

“Protect girls from misguiding books and TV programmes that have harmful effects. Advice them on their ill effects. Monitor closely their day-to-day activities. Guide them ably through their teenage,”  Ms Mangala told parents and teachers.

It is necessary that along with the study of text books, girls should also be taught skills such as embroidery, tailoring, artificial flower making and gardening in schools so that they are better equipped to earn a living, she said. Skill development makes them self reliant. Parents and teachers must take extra efforts to inculcate good habits among girls, she said.

Girls should be aware of certain infections and diseases such as HIV/Aids and must protect themselves, said taluk health education officer Mohmed Isac. Maintaining personal hygiene goes a long way in keeping good health, he maintained. 

Instead of rushing to the doctor only when a disease strikes, it is better to visit health centres for preventive healthcare and counselling, said Dr Chennakeshava of K T Halli primary healthcare centre. He called upon girls to make best use of the rural health centres made available by the government.