BAL MELA 2011
AT SNEHALAYA, VISHWAMITRI, VADODARA
CHILDREN’S DAY 14TH NOVEMBER, 2011
Children's day is a special day for children. Universally, Children's Day is celebrated on 20th November, every year. But in India it is celebrated on 14th November, because the date marks the birth anniversary of our legendary freedom fighter and independent India's first Prime Minister - Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru.
As a tribute to Nehru and his love for children, Children's Day is celebrated on this day. It reminds each and every one of us, to renew our commitment to the welfare of children and teach them to live by their Chacha Nehru's qualities and dreams for our Nation, India.
Don Bosco Snehalaya celebrated DON BOSCO BAL MELA - 2011 for all children from the various railway stations of Gujarat, i.e. Ahemdabad, Nadiad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Ankleshwar, Surat, Valsad and Vapi. It was a celebration for those youngsters/children who will most certainly not get any opportunity to celebrate children's day anywhere else.
Snehalaya is a Shelter Home where boys who are found on the railway platforms or at the railway stations or streets of some of the cities of Gujarat. They are orphans, destitute, runaways, abused, child labourers, in others words, all those who do not find meaning in life.
The Bal Mela began at 10.30 a.m. with the lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, his Lordship Bishop Godfrey de Rozario, the Chairperson of CWC Smt. Neelamben Kodnani, other Guests of Honor and Children’s representatives.
Children contacted at various stations between Ahmedabad and Valsad together with the residential children of Snehalaya and children from the nearby slum area numbering around 400 gathered together to participate in this Bal Mela which was specially meant for their enjoyment.
The programme began with raising our minds and hearts to God through a prayer dance followed by words of welcome by the director of Snehalaya.
Then followed a cultural programme made up of filmy-song dances performed with great skill by the children of Snehalaya.
The Chief Guest Bishop Godfrey de Rozario, the Chairperson of CWC Smt. Neelamben gave inspiring messages to the children.
With the help of sponsors/donors the children received gifts of T. shirts, snacks, meals followed by a good enough time given to various skill-games stalls from which winners could choose a variety of prizes. Children also took advantage of hair cutting and cleanliness facilities as well as whatever medical treatment they needed.
The programme concluded with a detailed vote of thanks to God, the Chief Guest, Guests of honour, the press and multi-media, other Ngo’s sponsors, all our guests and especially to all the children who came to celebrate this Bal Mela 2011.
MR. SHREYAS MACWAN
(FOR SOCOM-BARODA)
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