By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Along with the rest of the country, Children’s Day, the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru was celebrated here on Monday with fun and frolic.
As part of the celebration, the Child Line, a national 24 hours free phone emergency outreach service for children in need of care and protection organised a procession for the under-privileged children of the city which started from Khyndai Lad and culminated at Lady Hydari Park .
Over 100 under-privileged children were seen marching the streets with placards in their hands bearing slogans relating to child’s right. Under-privileged children from Nongmynsong, Umkaliar, Barapathar and Rilang Shelter Home participated in the procession.
Talking to The Shillong Times on the sidelines of the procession here on Monday, Coordinator of Child Line, Iba Synrem said like every year, the nodal organisation puts up a special programme for the poor children whereby various activities are held and free lunch is served to the children.
Commenting on the importance of the Right To Education (RTE) Act, Synrem said this act should be implemented as soon as possible saying that this is the only way to curb child labour in the state.
She mentioned that there have been many cases of sexual abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse and cases where a stepfather abused his stepdaughter and other similar cases within a family which requires immediate attention.
It may be mentioned that universally, Children’s Day is celebrated on November 20 every year except in India where it is celebrated on November 14 which is the birthday of Pundit Nehru as a tribute for his love for children.