Celebrating active citizenship

Celebrating active citizenship

Appreciating the fourth pillar of democracy — active citizenship, 2,000 civic club members from 25 government schools and three rural schools took an oath to be active citizens, participate in governance and strengthen democracy.

Through Spoorti 2012, a unique civic exhibition/ fest, Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness celebrated the launch of their programme for the year in government and rural schools in Bangalore and neighbouring districts.

The stalls and games themed on active citizenship — democracy and freedom, engaging with local Government, citizens’ rights and responsibilities encouraged young civic club members to be the change they want to see and to cooperate and if required, peacefully confront government and others to secure their Rights.

Through exciting games and interesting facts the children also realised the powerful role that they play in being the hope for a better tomorrow.

The chief guest of the event was Justice Dr S R Nayak, former chief justice of Chhattisgarh and former Chairperson of Karnataka State Human Rights Commission.

While addressing the children, he said that educational institutions from primary to high school and even upto the post-doctoral level should teach children to think honestly and act in public interest.

He also stressed on the need to understand that the power lies within all of us and and if we are responsible enough we can choose a good government for ourselves.

 “In order to do that we need to become accountable and responsible. Our constitution has given us an important tool that is the right to vote and we must use this right and choose the right people,” he said A few children also put up a thought provoking skit on the right to free and compulsory education followed Children learnt the importance of democracy through various games, by a dance and song.

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The New Indian Express
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