Downtrodden children enjoy privilege

It was Children’s Day out at Dasara Exhibition grounds on Thursday but with a slight difference.

Rescued child labourers, school drop outs, street children, rag pickers and other distressed kids played to their heart’s content along with various activities packed for them at the grounds.

Children’s Day was celebrated on Thursday as Deepavali festival was on Wednesday (November 14). Various NGOs like Child helpline of Childline India Foundation, Don Bosco Society, Organisation for Development of People (ODP) and Rural Literacy and Health Programme (RLHP) were on the premises with the children. 

The launch of ‘Helpline Friendship Week (Childline se dosti week)’ organised by Childline India Foundation was marked by entertainment and awareness filled activities for 80 children of downtrodden community.

The programme was mainly organised to bridge the difference between the mainstream and those kids of downtrodden classes. Drawing, painting, kite flying and some other fun games enthralled children from the age group of toddler to 14 years.

A street play was organised later emphasising on the child rights and duty of every responsible citizen to protect them.

Mysore Don Bosco Society had a booth with photographs on the premises which spoke of the troubles encountered by children specially those by runaways, dropouts and mentally retarded.

Awareness posters against child marriage, trafficking, child labour, sexual abuse and other tough problems the children do face in the society. 

Sweets and lunch were distributed to the children. Most of them thronged the amusement park and some played in the open grounds.

Signature collection campaign was conducted to assure protection of child rights.

Speaking on the occasion, Karnataka Exhibition Authority chairman B P Manjunath said that there is a need to take appropriate measures during emergencies related to child problems and many organisations have been carrying it out in an efficient way. The day is organised for the children who have been away from the mainstream.

Rural Literacy and Health Programme coordinator Saraswathi, circle inspector of Nazarbad G N Mohan, Fr S D Joseph, director of Don Bosco Society Fr Francis John, Fr Benedict, Melvin, Rehmath and others were present.