SHILLONG, March 8: Along with the rest of India, SPARK on Wednesday celebrated Holi and International Women’s Day by organising separate programmes for women and children.
As part of Holi celebrations, SPARK organised a programme for the underprivileged and deprived children “with an aim to add colours of fun and shades of joy into their lives”.
The celebration commenced with the singing of the National Anthem, which was then followed by a prayer service conducted by the children.
Founder-cum-president of SPARK Shima Modak explained to the children about the essence of Holi celebration and encouraged them to always follow the path of righteousness.
“All the children participated with zest in a joyful dance during the celebration without any kind of discrimination on any basis. The Holi celebration today brought immense gaiety as delighted children coloured not only their friends, but also their teachers and others taking part in the celebration,” a statement in this regard said.
Meanwhile, as part of International Women’s Day celebrations, SPARK organised programmes for women in Mawlong Umsawli village, Bara Bazaar Slum, Mawlynrei Triashnong village and Rangmen Nongsder village.
“The aim of the programmes was to provide a special platform to these women from less privileged families who are quite unaware of the unique and precious roles they play in the building up of the family, society as well as the nation as a whole. These women remain the unsung heroes and hardly receive any platform where their valuable contributions are acknowledged and appreciated,” the statement said.
During the celebration, which was organised under the theme ‘Digital Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’ and participated by over 200 women, Modak handed over copies and pens to the attendees and sensitised them about their rights so as to tackle increasing instances of crime against women and the measures to protect themselves.
The day also saw the celebration of the success of women in everyday lives, their commitment towards the family and their contributions in the development of the society as well as nation. “SPARK initiated this special programme to honour and appreciate the women’s contribution towards development of the society and the importance of women empowerment for the well-being of the nation as a whole,” the statement said.