Assam Don Bosco University organised event for Marginalised student

The Department of Mass Communication of the Assam Don Bosco University in association with Child Friendly Guwahati (CFG) organised Make Me Smile, an event to highlight the talents of marginalised children as well as sensitising people on children in need. The event was held at Don Bosco, Panbazar on May 7.

Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary, former Governor of Meghalaya, speaking on the occasion, appreciated the deep efforts of the Don Bosco Society to bring together the children of Snehalaya. He further added, “If a child is not smiling, the child is not happy. As parents or caretakers, we find out the reason. But if there is none to look after the needs of such children, it becomes the responsibility of the society to reach out to them and address their agony.”

Archbishop John Moolacira, highlighted the need to work for all marginalised sections of people, including domestic helps and victims of human trafficking. He expressed that several sections of people have not yet received the benefits of the financial growth in the country and there is a widening gap between the rich and the poor sections of people. A booklet was also released by him on Child Friendly Guwahati on the occasion.

The programme was attended by many noted personalities. Among some were Actor Baharul Islam, along with his wife and theatre activist Bhagirathi, Doloi of Kamakhya Temple, Jaganath Sarma, Imam Anawar Hussain of the Burha Jame Masjid, Ambari etc. Both the religious leaders, in their speech, stressed on the need to keep humanity above everything else and support the initiative by the CDon Bosco Society.

Snehalaya Founder Director Fr Lukose Cheruvalel urged the need for better awareness about child protection laws pertaining to free and compulsory education, juvenile justice, child labour, child marriage and human trafficking etc. Fr Thadeus Kujur, Director of Snehalaya and CFG also spoke on the occasion.

A photography exhibition and screening of a documentary related to the topic were also part of the programme.

Source: Darshana Brahma, City Journalist, Guwahati, CollegeDekho