Deprived children celebrate Independence Day in Meghalaya

A REPORTER

SHILLONG, Aug 16: Along with the rest of the country, the underprivileged and deprived children of the State too came forward to celebrate the 72nd Independence Day of the country on Wednesday.

The day was marked to build unity and strength to fight against social evils and work together for the betterment of the nation as well as bring rays of hope in the lives of the under-privileged children. The children participants comprised of rag pickers, domestic helpers, working children, street children, slum children, school drop-outs, cow boys, and other under-privileged children from East Khasi Hills District and Ri-Bhoi District. There were more than 300 children attended the programme in all the centres of SPARK namely Motphran, Mawlong, Mawlynrei, Pongkung and Rangmen.

Active participation in this year’s Independence Day is believed to send a strong and clear message for the sincere effort required towards protection and development of the children who are believed to be the ‘Future Citizen of the Nation’. The objective was basically to provide them a platform free to enjoy their childhood without any kind of burden on their tender shoulders as most of these children hardly get an opportunity to live through their precious childhood because they have to work to support their families. The highlights of the programme was hoisting of the national flag, singing of national anthem, and other cultural activities performed by the children. Shima Modak, President & Founder of SPARK sensitized the children on the essence of the day and encouraged for their active participation in the building of the Nation.

Secondly, the children from SPARK also participated in the “At Home” programme organized by the office of the Governor of Meghalaya the children also took part in a “Shillong Donates” occasion organized by the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District and Round Table India and Ladies Circle India where clothes were distributed to all the children.