British Deputy High Commissioner celebrates Bijoya with street children

KOLKATA: British Deputy High Commissioner Scott Furssedonn Wood today celebrated Bijoya Sammilani (programme to celebrate friendship and togetherness post Bijoya Dashami) with hundreds of street children at a function here.

Wood, who sat intently throughout the performance by 350 child artistes from different shelter homes, later said this is a novel way to celebrate Bijoya Dashami with so many children and pledged support for their holistic development.
Little girls from one orphanage danced to the tune of 'Main Hun Shakti Main Hun Naari/Koi Naahi Samjha Bechari' (We are women, we are embodiment of strength. Don't consider us as weak) before Wood and he said he connected with the children being a father himself.

"We will support in whatever way possible the initiative of Hope Foundation for the welfare of the children to enable them to see a better life," he said later.

Wood also recalled the association of former president A P J Abdul Kalam with his country as one dance choreography by children paid tribute to the Missile Man of India.

"The motto of today's programme is taking forward the campaign 'Beti Banchao, Beti Parao, Eisa Koi Kaam Nahi Jo Betia Nahi Kar Sakti Hai," Hope Foundation Kolkata Director Geeta Venkadakrishnan said.

Maureen Forest, Founder and Director, Hope Foundation said there are millions of children across the world who are denied the right to education. "In your city, Hope implements over 60 projects through 13 local implementation partner organizations."

The 10 homes from which the children participated included Krittika, Voruka, Snehaneer, Ashar Alo, Ashirbad and Kasba Boys' Home.