Bhubaneswar : Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘The future of our country does not depend on us or our parents, but on our children.’ Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida today called upon all of us to make a concerted effort to build a bright future for our most valuable asset, our children, in order to realize the dream of building a beautiful nation.
Inaugurating the state-level Children’s Festival MAHAK, Deputy Chief Minister for Women and Child Development Smt. Parida said that orphaned children are truly blessed by God. Earlier, the name of the state-level Children’s Festival was ‘Rainbow’, which appears in the sky from time to time. Later, the name Rainbow was changed to Mahak. The naming is truly appropriate. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the legendary Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi launched the ‘PM CARES’ scheme to take care of orphaned children. Now the ShishuYatna Institutes run by the Women and Child Development Department is working hard to provide such proper care.
Attending the event as the guest of honour, the Minister of Law, Works and Excise ShriPrithviraj Harichandan said that innocentchildren are next to Gods. Children who, for some reason or other, could not get the love and affection of their parents, need to be given special attention. Their skills and inherent talents need to be fully developed till the end of their education. The role of ShishuYatna Institute, which extends its hand of love, affection and goodwill to innocent children, puts a smile on their faces and strives to earn them respect and prestige in the society, is truly commendable. It is praiseworthy that more than 8683 children in 225 registered child welfare institutions across the state are ensuring their welfare, safety, development and participation. The government should think about the proper upbringing of orphaned children and include them in a scheme. Minister Shri Harichandan announced that he will take full responsibility of such five children.
Minister for Higher Education, Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs ShriSuryavanshiSuraj said that the forest flower should not lose its fragrance in the forest. Children who have seen struggle at an early age and are deprived of family protection, their talents must be nurtured and developed. By providing a digital platform for showcasing their talents and promoting their handicrafts, they will get global recognition. Minister ShriSuraj expressed that by providing encouragement and motivation to the talents of the remote, marginal and rural areas of the state, the fragrance of their talent will be spread all over the world.
Principal Secretary of Women and Child Development Department, Mrs.Shubha Sharma, in her welcome speech, said that just as a flower spreads its scent, Mahak is helping the fragrance of children everywhere in the capital city. The Women and Child Development Department has always been working for the proper upliftment and development of these talented children. The children who will display high-quality talent for five days will be rewarded, said Mrs. Sharma.
Deputy Chief Minister, Mrs.ParvathiParida, inaugurated the video of Child Protection Helpline-1098. Child artist VidusmitaShabar captivated everyone by singing a melodious song.
Director of Women and Child Development, Mrs.Monisha Banerjee, proposed the vote of thanks. The children presented their hand-drawn pictures to the guests. Earlier, the song ‘VandeUtkalJanani’ was sung by the children ofAdrutachildren’s home, Khurda. Finally, the Deputy Chief Minister and other ministers inaugurated the state children’s festival by releasing balloons at the Kalinga Stadium premises.
