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Minister’s stress on academic excellence

— Photo: T. Singaravelou

Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury greets a child in Puducherry on Friday.

PUDUCHERRY: “If you study well, I will take all of you to Delhi and Agra,” Union Minister of State for Women and Children Development Renuka Chowdhury told a group of children at the observation home at Ariyankuppam in Puducherry on Friday.

A band of musicians, all old inmates of the home, welcomed the guests on the premises as young ones lined up waving the National Flag to welcome the Minister amidst them.

Filled with excitement about their visitor, a number of children readily shook hands with the Minister. Enquiring about their background, reasons for being at the home and academic performance, Ms. Chowdhury went on to say, “If you study well, we will take you to Delhi and Agra for the Children’s Day celebrations on November 14. You can visit the Parliament House and Taj Mahal too.”

A word of appreciation and pat brought smiles on the faces of the children. She even posed questions on repairing bikes to two children, who were earlier addicted to drugs, and were undergoing training in mechanical works.

She also distributed sweets to children.

The boys at the home were undergoing training in taekwondo for the last two weeks.

They demonstrated a number of skills to the Minister.

Meeting a number of young boys who were under-trials, Ms. Chowdhury asked for their background and stressed the need for counselling services.

“A psychologist attached to a hospital can give one or two hours of counselling for these children. They should be counselled, involved in community services so that they would feel rewarded and wanted,” she said.

Ms. Chowdhury was accompanied by Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy and officials of the Union Ministry.

Director of Social Welfare Department P. Priyadarshini was also present.

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