It was children's day out at Makkala Habba in port city

Over 1,000 children from different government and ashrama schools across Dakshina Kannada district on Monday enthusiastically participated at the ‘Makkala Habba’ programme organised jointly by the Bala Vikasa Academy, Dharwad,  in collaboration with Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, Women and Child Welfare Department, Bala Vikasa Academy District Programme Implementing Committee and the District Public Instructions Department.

It was a fun time for children, who had gathered from across the district. The Town Hall, venue of the programme, was filled with laugher and chatter of children. They cheered the children who presented cultural programmes on the stage and many of them also participated in several games and competitions. ‘Kamsale’ by the students of Vivekananda Kannada Medium School, Puttur and dance for ‘Bende kai, thonde kai’ song by two tiny tots of Bharath Sevashram, Kanyana received applause from the children.

The event brought together children from orphanages  and schools and government officials on a common platform. The children danced, sang songs, staged plays, painted their thoughts as a part of the festival. A total of 40 students painted on a lengthy canvas under the guidance of resource persons. The students were allowed to paint on any theme of their choice and they created wonderful art piece. Speaking on the occasion, District-in-Charge Minister Ramanath Rai called upon the children to read history to understand the past.

Children are peace loving and do not discriminate their fellow beings. Teachers should ensure that history is not distorted. ZP Vice President Rithesh Shetty said there was lot of pressure on children which had been coming in the way of their integrated development. Children, who were the future citizens need a stress-free environment and they need to blossom in their life. Calling upon the students to make use of the available opportunities, Zilla Panchayat President Koragappa Naik said that teachers should identify hidden talent in kids.

“We need to create awareness on child trafficking, drug abuse and evil system of child labour among children and ensure that each and every child gets education.” Women and Child Welfare Department Deputy Director Gatrude Veigas said that the main objective of organising Makkala Habba is to provide a platform to the school children, especially those hailing from poor socio-economic background, to exhibit their hidden talent. The programme also keeps studies away for a day and the children will be allowed to enjoy their day in their own style. 

MLAs Mohiuddin Bava, J R Lobo, DC A B Ibrahim among others were present. Eight students namely Shipra, Megha, Abhishek, Suprith, Chaitra, Manoj and Chaitra, who had won district-level Kalasri competitions and were selected for state-level competition was felicitated. Winners of debate and essay writing competitions held as a part of National Girl Child Day was given prizes.