Puraskara 2005

October 1, 2005:

ILP organized a workshop on study skills and personality development for the children on Oct 1st, 2005, betweeen 9:30 a.m and 5:30 p.m. The workshop was held at the Indian Social Institute, 24 Benson Road, Benson Town, Banglore.

October 2, 2005:

Puraskara - the annual event to felicitate rehabilitated working children for their scholastic achievements was held this year on Oct.2nd 2005. Several ILP volunteers came to the Urban Health Resource Centre to show their appreciation to all the children who have worked hard to achieve success in such difficult circumstances. The chief guest for the occasion was Ms. Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson, Akshara Foundation. Other special guests were Mr. V. Subramaniam, Vice President and General Manager STSD Hewlett Packard (HP- ISO), Bangalore and Mr. R Babu, Director IT- GDIC- HP. Mr. Pramod Kulkarni from Prerana was also present in the function.

The programme began with a welcome by the ILP India Coordinator, Victor Tauro. This was followed by a presentation on ILP by Sindhu. After the coffee break, certificates were given to the students. Many of them were also given a set of 4 books of short stories on India- the history series from Pratham books. Each of the guests seemed visibly moved and in their address said that they would definitely contribute towards children's education in India. Victor was a great help in translating in Kannada.

Mr. Babu mentioned that a child needs primarily good education, food and good family environment. India has very high number of child population and youth. We need to leverage these human resources to become a super power in 20 years provided we ensure these three elements to all children. Mr. Babu promised his personal and team support for the cause of protecting child rights.

Addressing the children from their midst, Mr. Subramaniam said that he has not come to teach them but to learn from them. He is overcome by the confidence and his interaction with them has energized him. He has learnt about their dreams and aspirations and he beseeched the children not give up their dreams. He has also assured his support to the children. Mr. Pramod Kulkarni shared a short story with the children to drive home an important point - "when it comes to education, we are makers of our own destiny. We may not be born with the line of education on our palm, but we can etch it ourselves".

Two students, Raja Naik and Gunavathi spoke about their situation and how they had managed to continue their studies.

Ms. Rohini Nilekani, spoke to the students in a very interactive manner. She advised the children, to read as much as they could and read anything that could lay their hands on. "Don't give up, she told the children. Yours is great achievement. Every little thing that we do is important. Remember the story of the squirrel in Ramayana, who helped to build the bridge to Lanka- the little effort of the squirrel is also very important- said Rama."

To end the session, Ms. K V Sudha, an ILP Bangalore volunteer, who works with Lucent Technologies gave the vote of thanks. This was followed by the National Anthem and lunch.

Ruchira Das