Dream India Network Celebrates Diwali For Foster Home Children
Bengaluru: Dream India Network (DIN) has belatedly celebrated Diwali- festival of lights, with all the 440 underprivileged children from 55 Foster Homes in and around Bengaluru, on December 15. The venue of the programme was ‘Rose Virginie Hall’ at Sacred Heart Girls’ High School, Museum Road, here. The celebrations were organised under the leadership of Fr. Edward Thomas, the Adviser and Mentor and Dr Saju Paracka, the CEO-DIN.
Udaya B. Garudachar, MLA of Chickpet constituency in the city expressed his enthusiasm to join in the celebration of Diwali and appreciated the contribution and service of Dream India Network for the under-privileged children particularly for their education. All are called for nation-building, he said adding children are the future of India. Garudachar pointed out to Fr. Edward and team saying, “This is the meaning of secular India and you depict the real strength” (of the nation). He said he was open to all the religions and the religious practices which he always cherished and remained to be part of them. The MLA greeted everyone present with his wishes for the dual celebrations of Diwali and Christmas.
The celebration of Diwali began by seeking God’s blessings with a prayer led by Fr. Nelson and Sr. Leena. The importance of the celebration of light was depicted through rhythmic dance and Gayathri Mantra. A short description of Diwali was evoked which led to the lighting of the lamps. Symbolically, a few well-wishers along with Fr. Edward, Dr Saju Paracka, Chetan and Yogeshwari represented all the children from the Foster Homes. Others present on the occasion included Jose, Board of Trustees, DIN, Sunil from Building Blocks, Sr. Deepa, Provincial of Dominican Sisters, Sr. Jayasree, a staff of DIN, Sr. Justin from Manipal and Sr. Jancey, Director of Chalice, Bangalore, Prabhu and Robin, from DIN Young Ambassadors for Change.
Dream India Network, a non-profit organization that works for the benefit of children at risk aims at creating dignified life and helping to form a better world for everyone irrespective of gender, caste, creed or religion.
Earlier, Fr. Edward Thomas, welcomed all dignitaries and the invitees were honoured with a shawl and a candle light. Among others present for the programme were S.N Raju- BJP leader, Kennedy Shantakumar, Kumaracharya -Visvakarma, Biplaba Dutta– DIN Board of Trustees, Sr. Jancey -Director of Chalice Bangalore and representative of Good Shepherd Sisters, Sameera Fernandez- DIN Board of Trustees, Fr. Jomon CMI- Chancellor, Mandya Diocese, Benjamin – Casa Foundation, Dr Kiran Kumar- Rotary president, Ramakrishna Gowda- Former president of Karnataka Comedk, Shaji Titus and Ms Sneha, Ms Nafooza Khan- Social activist of Shanthinagar, Ms Mary and Ms Hysen.
There were few other dignitaries present for the programme were: Anil Issa, James – Building Blocks, Praveen Peter – Social Worker, Joseph Ravi, Dr Mettilda, Rahul, Dr Roma Francis, Natraj, Ravi, Nagraj, Gladson and Fr. Ajay.
The children from Sadgamaya, Arunodaya, Maria Phosphine, Divya Kripa, Srishti, Holy Spirit, Elizabeth, Clavarian, Nava Jyothi, Nava Jeevan, Good Shepherd Children, showcased their talent with amazing dance performances depicting the tradition and celebration of Diwali. The children of Assisi Bhavan raised a patriotic feeling among the audience with their mime. The Luisa Home amazed the audience with their meaningful dance about conservation of nature. Kolbe Boy’s Home presented a skit on awareness on the harmful effects of bursting crackers during Diwali and also brought up the concept of eco-friendly Diwali.
The programme of Diwali came to a close with a ‘sumptuous’ vegetarian lunch organized for all the participants.
C V Joseph