Date:15/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/15/stories/2008111559110300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

It was their day all the way

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Children’s Day was celebrated in a variety of ways across the city. While some held drawing and painting competitions to give children an opportunity to have fun and showcase their talent, others celebrated on a larger scale with well-planned song and dance performances. Either way, schools and institutions ensured that children managed to have a good time.

A few non-governmental organisations, however, chose to make a statement by including those less fortunate and decided to give poor children a reason to smile. One such organisation Echo, centre for juvenile justices, undertook an awareness procession on abolition of child labour at Sumanahalli and also organised colourful cultural programmes.

Another such organisation, Association for Promoting Social Action (APSA), organised a programme along with Graduation Day for the class of 2006-2007. Over 160 students of APSA graduated in various fields such as computers and electronics, among others. A variety of sports and games along with a cultural programme were organised.

The eighth anniversary of “Project Balakrishna” (milk to children) was organised at Government Boys Middle School.

The Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) in association with the Directorate of Education, Government of Karnataka, organised an awards function for the winners of the recently held State-level painting competition.

The function was held at the Silver Jubilee Auditorium of CPRI and Managing Director, BESCOM, Tushar Girinath, was the chief guest.

“Energy conservation” was the theme for the competition. Some other private organisations such as Filmcity chose to mark the occasion with a cultural extravaganza. With over 2,000 children participating, the event gave a platform for cultural performances and traditional dance forms.

Reliance TimeOut organised a Children’s Day celebration with children between the age of 5 and 14 taking part to enjoy a day full of fun and frolic.

The event saw a series of contests like story-telling, drawing and colouring competitions and many more. The children were encouraged to go all out and enjoy themselves with prizes and certificates given for participation.

A variety of performances and group dances by streetchildren marked the celebrations at Bosco Mane.