Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore

Mangalore, Nov 15: The DK district administration, Zilla Panchayat, Women and Child Welfare Committee, Child Line, and ‘Children’s Monthly Fiesta’ committee jointly organized the ‘Children’s Day’ celebration and ‘Children's Monthly Fiesta 2013’ at Bala Bhavan near Kadri Park on Thursday November 14.

The event was inaugurated with lighting of the auspicious lamp by children in the presence of the dignitaries on the dais. Speaking after the inauguration, J N Subrahmanya, chief judicial bailiff, and child justice board president, said the government has introduced various schemes and projects for the development and safety of children.

“These schemes will be successful only if the public actively take part and join hands with us. These days, many children are visiting the child justice board and the prime reason for this is the carelessness of their parents. As the children are not looked after properly at a young age, they tend to take laws into their hand. Hence, there is a need to look after the children with love, affection, and proper education,” he added.

In his presidential address, DC N Prakash said, “In the state budget nearly 13 percent of expenses are spent on children, for the reason that today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens. Nearly 16 percent of the total population in the country is children.”

“Child welfare has to be done everyday and every time and not just by celebrating ‘Children’s Day’. There are a number of children in DK who are talented, but our duty is to recognize them and lead them to get them into the mainstream,” he added. He then inaugurated the ‘Children’s Monthly Fiesta 2013.’

Child welfare committee president Asha Nayak released the ‘Child Line se Dosti Week’ pamphlet and banner.

Gertrude Veigas, deputy director, women and child welfare committee, Mosses Jayashekar, deputy director, public education department, and Gracy L Gonsalves, district child protection officer, were also present on the occasion.