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The Human Resource Development Minister, Shri Arjun Singh presented 71 children from all over the country the National Child Award For Exceptional Achievement for the years 2002 and 2003 at a glittering function at Vigyan Bhavan here today. While the Gold Medal for the Year 2002 went to Master Abhijeet Gupta of Rajasthan for his exceptional ability in the field of Chess, the Gold Medal for the Year 2003 was won by Master Sachin Dattatreya Vetkoli of Maharashtra for his excellence in the field of Computer. The award ceremony which was held after a gap of two years, witnessed 69 other girls and boys winning the Silver Medal for their achievements in fields ranging from academics to arts, culture and sports etc. The Gold Medal Winners also received a cash amount of Rs. 20, 000 each while the Silver Awardees Rs. 10, 000 each besides certificates. In all, there were 35 winners for 2002 and 36 winners for 2003.
In a message read out by a girl child on the occasion, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the Children’s Day is an occasion to introspect and assess our role in improving the lot of the children, particularly of those who suffer deprivation and malnutrition, confront problems of survival and lose their childhood by taking up responsibilities of earning for them and their families early in their lives. He called for special attention for the girl child who even after surviving the inhuman practice of female foeticide has to face a social environment that undermines women’s position and excludes them from many opportunities in life.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Arjun Singh recalled the contributions made by Jawaharlal Nehru and his love for children. Shri Singh called upon the children to imbibe the great heritage of India and develop a pan-Indian thinking, and not limited by a tunnel vision which is propagated by certain quarters. He said, the children are our biggest resource and the future belongs to them.
The Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Kanti Singh said that the government has taken various steps to improve the conditions of mothers and children in the country.
It was a touching moment when two street children, Miss Haseena, adopted by the NGO, STOP and Master Vijay, adopted by the NGO, Butterflies, narrated their travails in life and their aspirations. About 50 such children were invited to witness today’s function and were given gifts by the Department of Women and Child Development.
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