Giving creative platform to young minds ‘Hausla 2017’ kicked off with enthusiasm

New Delhi, November 18: ‘Hausla 2017’- the painting event was organised for children where around 500 children belonging to Child Care Institutions enthusiastically participated from all over the country. ‘Hausla 2017’ was organised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in the capital. 

Altogether 46 children of CCIs from States/UTs participated in the event. The Minister of State for Women & Child Development, Dr. Virendra Kumar gave away Gold, Silver and Bronze medals to the winners.

Minister of State for Women & Child Development, Dr. Virendra Kumar gave away gold, silver and bronze medals to the winners and complimented them for their creativity shown through the painting competition. He announced that these paintings will be exhibited in the Parliament annexe and the money raised would be shared with the children.

 

Addressing the children, Secretary WCD, Rakesh Srivastava reiterated that the Ministry has organized the first of its kind national level programme for children living in child care institutions. He also said that the Ministry would like to organize such events at regional and State levels as well. In order to improve the quality of life of the children in child care institutions, the Ministry is contemplating ranking of these institutions based on the standards of care adhered to by them.

Children were given four thematic areas namely what makes me happy, my dream on paper, my ideal world and any other. Children used different medium such as water colours, crayons and pencil colours to express their thoughts and emotions. The medley of colours and lines not only showcase their talent and creativity but also their dreams and aspirations.

The first prize was given to the child from Assam, second prize winner was from Punjab and the third prize winner was from Andhra Pradesh. Special recognition was given to two children from Punjab and Arunachal Pradesh.

Earlier as a part of ‘Hausla 2017’ celebration, Bal Sansad was organized in New Delhi. The event was designed to empower children to voice their opinions regarding issues related to their welfare and also give their suggestions. Approximately 250 children in the age group of 14-18 years from States/UTs to participate in the programme that has come from various child care institutions across the country.

During the programme children spoke about various issues related to their own right to survival, development, protection and participation. They also shared their suggestions such as ensuring access to playgrounds to all children, orientation of teachers, health service providers and police to be sensitive towards needs of vulnerable children, improved facilities for rehabilitations of children who are addicted to substance abuse and adequate facilities for higher education of children of CCIs. The issue of street children and children who are into begging was highlighted by many of the participants. Children presented their charter of demands and suggestions to the dignitaries.

Responding to children’s voices, the Minister of State for Women & Child Development, Dr. Virendra Kumar appreciated the level of awareness among the children. He assured the children that their concerns and suggestions will be given due regard and the Ministry will surely try to address them in an appropriate way. Quoting the lines of a poem, he inspired children by saying, “अभी तो पंख खोले हैं, उड़ान अभी बाकी है!” Additional Secretary WCD, Ajay Tirkey stated that ‘Hausla 2017’ will provide children a platform to showcase their talents and get to know children from other states.