Uplifting One Neighborhood at a Time Through Children's Groups

“Bahu, zara meri chai toh leke aa!!” (“Where the hell is my tea!!”) No, this is not a dialogue from your typical saas-bahu daily soaps but a scene from one of the plays performed by the children as a part of Children’s Day celebrations organized by UHRC in Banganga area, Indore. In the Nukkad Natak competition based on the theme, ‘Neighbourhood Upliftment through Children's Groups’, the children put up plays on issues ranging from neighbourhood sanitation, vaccination, child labour and importance of education. The children came in colourful costumes and delivered their dialogues confidently. The plays were entertaining and made the audience laugh but at the same time they also conveyed a relevant social message.

Before the competition, chief guest Mr. Praveen Joshi, Senior Journalist ‘Chautha Sansar’ had a very candid conversation with the children. He explained how childhood is the best phase of ones life and that everything we learn in childhood remains with us forever. He advised the children to enjoy their childhood as much as they can. He also stressed on the importance of a healthy routine and good habits like waking up early and maintaining cleanliness in daily life. Through examples like Eklavya, he also explained to the children, the value of hard work. He told them how hard work will help them to become a successful person in life. Hopefully, the children will keep their promise given to him about following whatever he taught them. 

‘All work no play makes Jack a dull boy’. Keeping this proverb in mind, a chair race was also organized for the children. Shrieks of joy and laughter rang in the air as the game started. The enthusiasm of the children could be seen in the way they were running and those who got out were very sporting about it. Even after the game ended, the children were very excited and not at all exhausted.

The prize distribution ceremony was also a delightful affair as the children clapped and cheered for the winners who were given prizes like carom board, badminton rackets and many more.

Hence, all the people present including guests, volunteers, federation members and of course, the children, made the evening very special. The children went home happy and hoping that more such events take place soon!

Mrs. Shabnam Verma 

UHRC Indore Staff Member

        &

Meenal Namjoshi 

Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication, Pune, India

Studying Bachelor of Media Studies   

Intern at UHRC, Indore - Nov 19 to Dec. 29, 2012.