Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Sep 13: In a laudable effort to help underprivileged children read more and at the same time stress on the need to be environment-friendly, Prajna Counseling Centre in collobaration with Childfund India project Mangaluru distributed solar lanterns to over 400 children on Saturday September 12.
The solar lanterns were distributed during the event 'Ujjwal Bhavishyaki Ore' (Towards a Brighter Future) event organized as part of 'Reading Improvement - Books my Friends' phase 2 campaign at the premises of Prajna Counselling Centre, Kankanady here.
Walter D'Mello, DDPI of Dakshina Kannada inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp and handed over the solar laterns to the beneficiaries. Solar lanterns were distributed to 412 sponsored children who enrolled in primary education to help them make reading more accessible.
Addressing the gathering, Walter D'mello said, "Prajna Counseling Centre has been doing good work for the past 28 years, especially for the education of underprevileged kids. Without any expectation it has been rendering service and helping needy children and their families. I congratulate the Centre for its sincere efforts.
"The children who are receiving solar lanterns today come from poor families and the lanterns would be really helpful to them. Prajna Centre has already given books to promote education in children. All children should get education. Today some children even after completing 8th standard are unable to read. The reason is, previously there was copy writing in schools, but such habits have reduced now. Writing and reading habits should be encourged, only then will reading skills improve," he stressed.
Addressing the students, he said, "Today you have been given this light. Use it to study well and excel in your academics. It is our wish that all of you should come forward in the fields you choose and brighten the future of our nation. This organisation is working for a good cause. May this organization do more good work in the days to come."
Prof Hilda Rayappan, director, Prajna Counselling Centre, Suleiman Kaniga, project director of Childfund, Prabha, block resource person, Mangaluru North were the dignitaries on the dais.