There was enthusiasm and vigour in every face. The volunteers along with the bright and contended children made it a meaningful day. Roshni 2014, an initiative by AIESEC, was held on Saturday at the Cusat open air auditorium.
The programme focused on inspiring children from the underprivileged strata of society. AIESEC (Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences, Economique, Commerciales) is a global student initiative. The programme was organised with the help of YAWP.
The event saw the participation of around 200 students from different NGOs in the city like Janaseva Sisubhavan, Don Bosco among others.
Olga Martin, psychologist and director of Street-heroes of India, an NGO that focuses on healing street children from trauma conducted a session on developing the self esteem of the children. According to her, merely giving a child love and shelter is not enough.
Children who come from a background of abuse need psychological counselling and various therapies to heal from within. “The atmosphere here is very enthusiastic and colourful. I attain spiritual fulfillment when I’m with children,” she said.
The programme was a platform to showcase the talents of the children. There were song recitals, dance shows and a dazzling chendamelam by the students of Don Bosco.
Retired Justice C N Ramachandran Nair, environmentalist C R Neelakandan and K N Sajan were the guests.
The event was also graced by the presence of Manoj Mathasseriyil, eminent cartoonist who gave an enlightening session on his art and passion.
Collage making, drawing competitions and a magic show made the event popular with the children.
Every child was given a certificate at the end as a souvenir of the programme.
The fundraiser rock concert featuring the band The Down Troddence and White Sugar was the last event of the day. The proceeds from the show went to the NGOs. The title sponsor of the event was Nucleus Premium Properties Pvt Ltd.