Humara Bachpan celebrates Safe Diwali

Odisha Channel Bureau Bhubaneswar, Oct 22: `Safe Diwali and Safe Bachpan’ was celebrated here on Wednesday with much enthuse for the solidarity to create a symbol of solidarity and spread a message of pollution free and safe environment among children living in urban poverty in Bhubaneswar.More than 250 children from different child club members of Humara Bachpan participated in the programme held at Kargil Basti where games were conducted to help the children celebrate Diwali without bursting crackers.Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena, Additional DCP (Security) Nirmal Satpathy and Assistant Commissioner Police Traffic Jatindra Kumar Panda were among the guests and lighten lamps in front of their dream home made in a 3D model.“This is a great way to create awareness for air pollution.Humara Bachpan is doing a tremendous work in the slums of Bhubaneswar.These child leaders from the slum have also represented in International Conference.They are the future of our state.Together we will carry forward this message for a safer environment,” said Jena.“Humara Bachpan and Ruchika Social Service Organisation are doing a noble work to create this awareness on a safe and clean environment.As the representative of the Police, I am indeed obliged to be a part of this event.The Commissionerate of Police will always support Humara Bachpan and Ruchika’s initiative.Every year there are so many cases, hence through this awareness programme we will spread the message of safe Diwali,” said Satpathy.The children were engaged in a host of activities like Canvas painting, rangoli and games sessions.“I felt very happy to be a part of the event.It is indeed crucial to not burst crackers as it pollutes the environment and young children are always the worst sufferers as they inhale the smoky air,” said Sushree Priyadarshini, a 10-year-old Child Leader from Niladri Vihar, Rickshaw Colony.To escalate the celebration a band by the name of ‘TAATWA’ performed in the slum to keep the children cleave to the festive mood.“I especially loved the band performance.I danced to the songs played by the rock band.My friends and I enjoyed the various activities conducted like rangoli and canvas painting,” said Rajesh, a 10-year-old child leader from Bharatpur Basti.Humara Bachpan has been associated to cater a safe haven for children living in the slums, taking this into consideration we aim to celebrate the festival of lights with young children namely ‘Safe Diwali for a Safe Bachpan’ which was also celebrated last year with more than 250 children at Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar.Humara Bachpan is a national campaign for safe and healthy environment of young children growing up in urban poverty in India.