SHILLONG: Six children from the slums of Shillong shone at the 5th State Level Taekwondo Championship, held recently at the JN Sports Complex Indoor Stadium, Polo, bagging a medal each at the tournament, demonstrating their potential for an amazing future.
This was revealed on Monday through a press release from Shima Modak, Administrative Head and Principal of Shishu Shiksha Ghar (SSG), an educational centre providing non-formal education along with other needs to these children.
Seven children from SSG took part and the six medal-winners are: Rabina Biswa, Sujita Biswa, Krishna Puri, Bishu Kuri (who each won a gold medal), Abhinash Biswa and Pappu Kumar (bronze medal winners).
Most of the children were child labourers, illiterate and school drop-outs and were raised in rundown shacks with no toilets, running water, electricity or medical care.
Their families earn little and food is often scarce.
“Dealing with the darker aspects of Indian society is far from easy for these kids but they have proved themselves inspite of difficulties in their lives,” Modak said in the release.
“Their success have made it evident that they are no less than others if provided an opportunity to prove their skills and talents.”
She added that the children are working hard to prepare themselves for the National Level Championship, which one of them had earlier taken part in.
“Their achievement and success is an encouragement for other children as well to go ahead and fulfil their dreams because there is hidden talent in each one of them and nothing is impossible for anyone if provided an opportunity to show and acknowledge their talents,” Modak added.