Bengal Chapter of "Selfie with Daughter" Launched on Rabindranath Tagore’s Birthday, Celebrating a Decade of Empowering Daughters Worldwide

Sunil Jaglan, a former Sarpanch from Bibipur village in Jind, Haryana, is a towering figure in India’s fight for gender equality, having launched over 75 innovative campaigns to empower women and girls. His significant campaigns each a bold step toward gender equity, education, and economic empowerment includes "Period Chart Campaign","Gaali Bandh Ghar","Selfie Against Dowry", "Lado Panchayat","Daughter Nameplates", "Menopause Classes for Men", "Women Happiness Chart" and so on.

 Sunil, a devoted father of two daughters Nandini and Yachika, was sparked by a jarring experience in 2012 ,when Nandini’s birth was met with a societal response that Sunil was not expecting at all. In Haryana, a region long burdened by female foeticide and skewed sex ratios, Jaglan faced dismissive attitudes—hospital staff rejected his celebratory gestures because it was not normal for them to see someone celebrating birth of a Girl Child. This ignited his mission to dismantle patriarchal norms, which led to the iconic "Selfie with Daughter" campaign in June 2015.

Beyond Bibipur, Jaglan has transformed rural governance, introducing India’s first digital panchayat and women-led Gram Sabhas. His "One Book-One Smile" campaign established all-women libraries. His work has reached over 10,000 villages, with 149 adopted villages for tageted development, earning him National Awards and International acclaim, including recognition from the United Nations for his documentary Sonrise, showcased in 73 countries.

"Selfie with Daughter" began as a local contest in Bibipur, inviting parents to share selfies with their daughters as a public affirmation of pride. Its simplicity fueled its global ascent, with over 20 lakh selfies uploaded from 80 countries, including 10,000 from West Bengal alone. The campaign’s digital platform, launched in 2016, hosts a vibrant museum of these selfies, each a story of love and change. By addressing female foeticide, education disparities, and societal biases, the campaign has driven measurable progress, notably in Haryana, where sex ratios have improved significantly over the past decade.

The annual International Selfie with Daughter Day, observed on June 9, evolves with themes like supporting Divyang Girls & Women(2023) and empowering First-time Female Voters (2024), ensuring inclusivity and relevance. In 2021, the campaign expanded to Nepal, cementing its status as a global force for gender equality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a steadfast supporter of "Selfie with Daughter", first, praising it in his 2015 "Mann Ki Baat" address and later calling it a global movement at Silicon Valley and Wembley Stadium. In 2023, he highlighted its role in improving gender ratios during the 100th "Mann Ki Baat" episode, aligning it with his "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" initiative. Global icons from Hollywood, Bollywood, and sports have joined the cause, sharing selfies to advocate for girls’ rights, while former President Pranab Mukherjee launched the campaign’s mobile app in 2017, underscoring its national significance.

Launching the Bengal chapter on Tagore’s birthday is a powerful nod to his legacy of advocating for women’s dignity and education, as Tagore himself was a father of three daughters Renuka, Madhurilata and Meera. West Bengal, with its history of social reform through figures like Raja Rammohan Roy and Vidyasagar, is a natural ally for "Selfie with Daughter." The Campaign was always praised & supported in Bengal, be it, Our Former President Parnab Mukherjee's launch of "Selfie with Daughter" App or posting a selfie by Saurav Ganguly with his daughter to support the idea behind the campaign. Pavel, a famous Director & Writer from West Bengal, well known for his works like "Rosogolla" & "Bala", praised Sunil Jaglan's campaigns & mentioned how his campaigns influeced his thoughts profoundly. He also said that the "Selfie With Daughter - The Bengal Chapter" will be a game changer for not just West Bengal but for every state. Joydeep Mukherjee, a National Awardee Musician, Sangeet Guru and revivor of extinct instruments, who was also praised by the Honourable Prime Minister for his work, has also joined the movement recently to support Sunil Jaglan for the Bengal chapter.

On this 10th anniversary, we extend our deepest gratitude to Sunil Jaglan, whose 75+ campaigns have reshaped societies and inspired millions. His journey from a Village Sarpanch to a Core Feminist, exemplifies the power of one visionary to spark a revolution. We thank the "Selfie with Daughter" team, volunteers, and supporters worldwide, as well as Prime Minister Modi and global influencers, for amplifying this cause.

As West Bengal joins this movement, we envision a world where every daughter is celebrated, empowered, and free to shape her destiny. "Selfie with Daughter" will continue to innovate, building on Jaglan’s legacy of campaigns like "Beti Hoon Beti Bolo" to drive systemic change. Together, we commit to a brighter, more equitable future for our daughters.

Founded in 2015 by Sunil Jaglan, "Selfie with Daughter" is a global campaign promoting gender equality by encouraging parents to share selfies with their daughters. Part of Jaglan’s 75+ initiatives, it addresses female foeticide, education, and women’s rights, with over 20 lakh selfies from 80 countries. Supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and global icons, it stands as a beacon of love and empowerment.