*-*-*-*-*-*-* Help GoaNet grow... recommend it to others you know... *-*-*-*-*-*-*----------------------------------------------------------------------- Documented by Goa Desc Documentation Service & circulated by Goa Civic & Consumer Action Network (GOA CAN)<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- Let's not rob orphans of their childhood: Dhavlikar ---------------------------------------------------------------- The Minister for Public Works Department (PWD), Mr Ramkrishna Dhavlikar, said that orphans carry the same innocence as observed in other children and should not be robbed of their precious childhood under any circumstances. He was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the two-day All India Conference of the Representatives of Orphanages hosted by 'Matruchhaya', a public charitable trust at Kavlem in Ponda today.
The Minister further stated that the conference could initiate a process for formation of a methodology to solve problems of orphan children and other related issues such as their adoption and education. "The conference could also function towards forming a network of orphanages, complete with database of orphan children," he mentioned. Mr Dhavlikar averred that pre-marital relationship, break-up of parents or their death are some of the causes which give rise to orphans. The Minister also pointed out that the development of orphans has become more challenging in today's fast progressing world. Mr Srinivas Dempo, the president of the organising committee of the conference and eminent industrialist, in his introductory speech said that the main objective of the conference was to look into the problems of the orphans through the propagation of Indian value system. Mr Dempo observed that 'Matruchhaya' has by and large succeeded in its mission of helping out orphan children through their social, mental and physical development. However, he lamented the lack of commitment on the part of individuals towards orphans and suggested that media awareness could play an important role to enliven the situation. Mr Suryanarayanrao, a senior RSS functionary, who delivered a keynote address on the subject Seva Paramo Dharmah, highlighted the role of service for the community. "Human beings should carry out certain duties to repay whatever they have earned from the society in which they live," he asserted, adding that happiness when shared multiplies, while grief gets reduced after sharing. Helping others even at the cost of one's own life gives a unique satisfaction to human beings and this is a boon to the human race, he observed. "Those who consider this boon as an obligation, become immortal through their work," he said. Earlier, the PWD minister lighted a lamp to formally inaugurate the conference. Mr Ashok Chowgule, VHP president for Maharashtra and Goa region also spoke on the occasion. Mr Damodar Naik, president of 'Matruchhaya' delivered the welcome speech and gave information about the activities of the orphanage. Mr Sitaram Agarwal and Mr Bhaiyya Joshi, both senior VHP officials and Mr Shanu Pai Panandikar, president of Kavlem Temple Committee were also present on the dais. Mr Madhukar Dixit of VHP compered and also proposed a vote of thanks. Around 43 delegates representing various orphanages around the country attended the function. The two-day conference will discuss subjects such as 'Management of orphans', 'Adoption process', 'Problems of grown up orphans', 'People's participation in orphanages' and 'Emerging trends in orphanages and strategy for future development'. The valedictory function of the conference will be held on September 22 at 4.30 p.m. and will be attended by the Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar. ---------------------------------------- The Navhind Times 22/9/02 ---------------------------------------- ======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy ======================================= =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet =================================================================== For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e-mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead !
