Fun, learning mark Children's Day

One of the biggest celebrations was at the City’s Mantri Square, where event management firm, ChotuPainter, had set the pace for the festivities on Saturday and Sunday.

The activities came alive under three major categories: Fun, entertainment and learning. Many children from schools across the City participated enthusiastically in the free event. It turned out to be a perfect platform to showcase their talents.

A drawing competition had kicked off on Day One. This contest attracted huge registrations from various age groups. Following this was another unique programme called ‘Kids Radio Station,’ where the young participants got a chance to come live on radio. Deccan Herald being the media sponsor, the activity ‘Young reporter’ was the most popular among all the activities.

In this competition, the children had to interview people like a real reporter on the topic ‘How to stop corruption in India’. Day One ended with a magic show and fashion show where kids particularly enjoyed walking on the ramp.

Day Two being a Sunday was heavily crowded. Several children turned singing stars. But the most popular activity for the day was dancing competition where kids rocked the floor on the popular ‘Dinkka Chikka’ and ‘Chammak Challo’ tunes.

ChotuPainter is a creative company which assists schools to become places for overall development of students. More information on the firm can be had on www.ChotuPainter.com

Right to Sight
On Children’s Day, Sankara Eye Hospital, along with Sightsavers International India and the National Association for the Blind, organised a unique performance with visually impaired and blind children at the Forum Mall to sensitise the public on childhood blindness.

An impromptu act near the atrium in Forum mall saw close to 30 visually impaired and sighted children forming a human chain, the message urging the public to stand up for the right to sight among children on the occasion of Children’s Day. The message slowly crystallised before the crowd as they stood watching an act by a group of artistes performing the rare folk art form, ‘Kamsaale’, near the atrium.

Many were taken by complete surprise, when, during the performance, visually impaired children, some of them completely blind, randomly made their way through the crowd to the performance area and started holding hands. The children stood wearing T-shirts that had texts on them. They then formed a human chain to spelt out the message: ‘We Would Still be Seeing if Our Eyes Had been Checked Early. Stand up for the Right to Sight on Children’s Day.’

As part of Children’s Day celebrations, the hospital also organised a free ride for the children on the City’s Metro rail.

Under the banner, ‘Mantri SEVA,’ the underprivileged students at the Indus Community School also got to have a special party. Mantri SEVA created a carnival like atmosphere at the School in Sarjapur. More than 350 children were part of this celebration which saw colourful clowns and magicians entertaining them. A special games stall was also put up for the children, giving them a chance to play various fun games and enjoy the day.