SHILLONG, DEC 17: Hundreds of little angels’ faces lit-up the U Soso Tham Auditorium on Thursday as Pre-Christmas was celebrated for the first time for the children who live in government and private run Children’s Home of Khasi, Jaintia and Ri Bhoi Districts of the state.
The celebration was organised by the State Child Protection Society in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and Integrated Child Protection Schemes (ICPS) of the Department of Social Welfare. The celebration was graced by the Meghalaya social welfare minister Deborah C Marak as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Marak said that this Pre Christmas celebration is a platform for children to interact with each other and share their experiences. Congratulating the department for such an initiative, Marak mentioned the exemplary work done by the social welfare department in the protection and welfare of children in the state. She also spelled out the central and state schemes being implemented by the department and how it has benefited the children.
Offering salutations to the fathers and mothers of these institutions, the minister said that their selfless service towards these children is commendable and said that these children have received the love and care that they deserved. They are instrumental in ensuring these little angels the right to survival, development, protection and participation, she added.
While wishing the children and the people of the state a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, the minister called upon the people to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas which is to show love with action.
Social welfare department Commissioner & Secretary T Dkhar in his speech said that the government and other charitable missions have set up children’s home with the objective to protect the rights and entitlements of the children. He said that the government is working hard towards strengthening the effectiveness of the functioning of these homes and institutions and as citizens the government  is duty bound to ensure that the children are well taken care off.
On the occasion, Meritorious Awards and Disciplined Children’s Awards were distributed by the minister and other officials. Songs, role-play and mime show were the other highlights of the day’s celebration.
The Social welfare director HM Shangpliang delivered the welcome address while IS Rapthap, programme manager offered the vote of thanks.- By Our Reporter
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