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Home, not alone
The 20th death anniversary of Dr. Hermann Gmeiner, founder father, SOS Children's Villages of India, a non-government organisation, was observed recently in the Capital. On the occasion, the organisation announced the Dr. Hermann Gmeiner humanitarian fellowship programme. The fellowship will be presented to a selected individual every year based on his or her experience and future possibilities at the NGO. J.N Kaul, President, SOS India, and others presented their views on various aspects of childcare and the responses of the Indian Government in this regard.
The evening commenced with a short prayer by the students of the Hermann Gmeiner School, Faridabad. Dr. Loveleen Kacker, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, spoke on childcare and emphasised on children in conflict with the law. She stated that there is inadequate infrastructure under the juvenile justice system like child welfare committees and special juvenile police units. "Children are best looked after within the circle of their family and not in institutions," she said. She presented alarming facts such as 52 per cent of the children's population getting married before the age of 18, 40 per cent children suffering from malnutrition in the country and also sexually abused. She also highlighted the trend of adoption that is gaining popularity of late in India.
What is family?
The second speaker Dr. Adarsh Sharma, former Director, National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development, spoke on child and family. She said, "Family is a small group of individuals with intense one-to-one relationship wherein the welfare of one person affects others." She also mentioned about the Indian ethos where children are considered a gift of God and maternal devotion, as in attachment to children, extends beyond childhood. She also stated that every child should have an opportunity to develop to his or hers full potential.
Colin Gonsalves, senior advocate, Supreme Court of India, spoke on child rights. "People have to raise their voice to attain rights. It is no use creating laws and rights, they ought to be implemented."
A photo exhibition on Dr. Hermann Gmeiner and a souvenir dedicated towards his work in India were also launched on the occasion.
The aim of the NGO is to help orphaned and homeless children by providing them with a family, home and a strong foundation for an independent and secure life. Today there are 39 SOS Children's Villages in India and it is operational in 132 countries.
MALLIKA RAGHUNATHAN
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