Children of poor families showcase talent during walkathon

An estimated 225 children, hailing from less privileged families of several districts, performed singing, dancing and drama during a walkathon here today.

Aimed at creating awareness about less privileged children in society and to tap their hidden talents, the one-km walkathon, 'Pehchaan', began from the Press Club, Kolkata and ended at Victoria Memorial gate along Red Road.

The children, mostly aged between 8-15 years, also held placards which read 'Right to Education', 'Protest against Child Labour and Child Abuse' during their performances.

"The children hailed from different districts of south Bengal including Birbhum, Bankura besides Khidderpore area in the city and Howrah. We got in touch with the families of children both with the help of eight NGOs working in different districts and from our own contacts in the villages," one of the organisers said.

"Some of them will be selected on the basis of their performance in four categories - singing, dancing, street play and art and craft - during a final performance on August 9 at Kalamandir auditorium," B K Mantry, another organiser said.

He said the children, hailing from very poor background, will now participate in a workshop next week where the performers for August 9 show will be screened.

"We want them to go out from the confines of their dwelling units. Let people know that these children have talent. Society should also come forward to improve the lots of the children and not entirely depend on projects like Kanyashree and Beti Bachao....", the organisers said adding the educational expenses of the selected children will be borne by them.

The project, called Pechchan, 2018 was initiated by an organisation, 'NAME', and aimed at uplifting the talented children who remain unnoticed due to lack of infrastructure and support and get them trained by experts so that they can showcase their talent in a mega event.