By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 25: SOS Children’s Village Shillong celebrated a significant milestone on Friday, marking 25 years of offering family-like care to children without parental support.
Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, who attended the celebration as the chief guest, commended the organisation’s longstanding commitment. “This is a remarkable initiative that has impacted hundreds of young lives,” Lyngdoh said.
Adding to the joyous occasion, Lyngdoh also joined the children on stage for a musical performance of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’.
A vibrant cultural programme was also held, where children expressed their creativity and confidence through music and dance, reflecting the nurturing environment fostered within the village.
Speaking to the media persons, Sumanta Kar, CEO of SOS Children’s Villages India, recounted the journey that began in a modest rented house in Shillong. . “This is not just a celebration of 25 years. It’s a celebration of dreams fulfilled, lives changed and futures created,” he said.
Over the past 25 years, more than 350 children have been supported through the village, many of whom have gone on to become engineers, doctors, nurses, journalists, hospitality professionals and more. Presently, over 100 children are part of the SOS family in Shillong.
“At the heart of our care model are the SOS mothers,” said Kar, adding, “Each one raises around eight children in a nurturing family environment. It’s this bond that helps them grow with love, respect and security.”
The Shillong village is part of a nationwide network. SOS Children’s Villages India operates in 32 locations across 22 states, with over 400 family homes, directly supporting 5,000 children and reaching around 85,000 more annually through programmes such as Kinship Care, Foster Care and Family Strengthening.
“Our programmes are designed for the long term,” Kar said.
“In Family Strengthening, for example, we work with vulnerable families for at least five years—helping them build sustainable livelihoods so their children can stay in school and grow up at home,” he added.
He also underlined the personalised care each child receives, tailored to their dreams and potential.
“Every child is a success story,” he said, “and we aim to help them become self-reliant and confident individuals.”