more-in Children’s Day is not only an occasion to keep alive the memory of the former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who loved children but also to be observed as children’s rights day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said. He was speaking at the Children’s Day celebrations organised by the Kerala State Council for Child Welfare at SMV School here on Tuesday. Mr. Vijayan said Nehru, who was fondly addressed as Chachaji by children, recognised that children were the future of the nation. Problems faced by children existed even when Nehru was the Prime Minister. A large number had to suffer all kinds of difficulties. Unfortunately, even decades after Independence, things had not changed much in the country. Kerala, however, was an exception and the situation was much better here, he stressed. End exploitation On Children’s Day, there was a need to work towards ameliorating the problems faced by children, at home and in society, particularly attempts by anti-social elements to use children and youngsters to peddle drugs and other narcotic substances. Besides students, teachers and parents had to remain ever vigilant against such attempts to exploit them. ‘They had to spend ample time with children so that open communication with them was possible. He also warned parents against distractions when they were spending time with children. The children’s public meeting began with a prayer song by Devi Priya V.S. Ashlin Clarence welcomed the gathering. Advaith P.R., the children’s President, in his address, said children faced a host of issues such as lack of food and education and having to do child labour. Many of them were exploited and victimised. It was the duty of adults to ensure that children grew up happy and content and became the nation’s assets. Abhinavamirag S.S., the children’s Prime Minister, said children were the biggest resource and capital of the country. Archa A.J., the children’s Speaker, in her keynote address, said the day was a reminder of the rights and freedom of children. Children should be brave to face all the odds in front of them so that they grew up to be leaders of tomorrow. The Chief Minister released the Children’s Day stamp. Aleena A.P. delivered the vote of thanks. Minister for Social Justice K.K. Shylaja, V.S. Sivakumar, MLA, Social Justice Special Secretary Biju Prabhakar, and council general secretary Deepak S.P., were present. A colourful Children’s Day rally was taken out from the school to University College after the function.

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