Balianta : Kalika is a Children’s festival for young migrants who reside in the brick kiln worksites of Greater Bhubaneswar. It was organized by the Patna Regional Office of Aide et Action with the support of MiRC in Bhingarpur, Balianta block, Khurda District. This year Kalika has been organized by the migrant community itself. The migrant mothers and fathers have creatively weaved this children’s festival by putting in their earnest efforts. This festival was aimed at creating an atmosphere of happiness & joy, fun & frolic. This was a platform for pooling in creativity of the young migrants and boosting their morale.
Children varying from the age group of 2 to 14 years actively participated in the performances during this event. Different performances, like that of dancing to folk songs, singing songs & prayers, action songs, Holi celebration, Saraswati puja celebration and republic day celebration were exhibited by the children. Many adolescent girls had also participated in these performances. Prize distribution ceremony was also successfully done where the prizes were given to every CCLC (Child Care and Learning Centre) in the Greater Bhubaneswar region. Food was distributed among them after the prize ceremony. The school going children were given books. And children below 3 years were given toys.
People from all walks of life have been a part of this children’s festival to make a pledge towards bettering the lives of the young migrants. The guests included Amita Patnaik, District Project Coordinator (DPC), Sarva Sikshya Abhiyan, Khurdha (She shared mostly about the government’s initiatives pertaining to migrant children’s education & safety at destination areas); Debesh Mohapatra, JEO, Sarva Sikshya Abhiyan, Khurdha; Laxmi priya Pati, School Headmistress, Dudurabasta Govt., UP School; Pragati Mahanti, DCPO, Cuttack (She talked about collaborating with Aide et Action to work towards protection of children residing in the worksites), Suchitra Jenamani, Block Chairman; and Mr. Umi Daniel, Regional Head of MiRC, Aide et Action was also present.
Kalika 2017, witnessed participation from about 300 participants (which included young migrants, adolescent girls, mothers & fathers, and facilitators). “I am so happy to see my child performing so well. My dreams for my daughter have wings now. I want to see her soar and fly by living a life of dignity,” said a migrant mother. Mr. Umi Daniel spoke about Aide et Action’s initiative towards ensuring safe and healthy environment to migrant children and their education in destination areas. Mr. Nilesh Behera, Program Coordinator shared the status of the project in Odisha where Mr. Satyadip Pati, Programme Manager shared on the impact of the program being implemented by Aide et Action for migrant children.
The event was moderated by Mr. Saroj Kumar Barik, Programme Officer who also offered vote of thanks to the guests, children and their parents who made the event successful.
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