Emphasizes on children’s right to protection, education and equal opportunities
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 14: In a heartfelt gesture reflecting compassion, commitment and institutional concern towards the welfare and well-being of children, Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Executive Chairman, Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority, celebrated Children’s Day with the children residing at Paresha (Children Home for Girls) and Palash (Children Home for Boys), at Ishber, Nishat, Srinagar, on Saturday.
The celebration was organised in an atmosphere of warmth, affection, enthusiasm and exuberance, with the objective of making the children feel valued, encouraged and empowered, while reaffirming the collective responsibility of institutions and society towards safeguarding the rights, dignity, safety and overall development of every child. The occasion served as a meaningful platform to strengthen the bond between the institutional authorities and the children and to reiterate the importance of providing them with a safe, nurturing, inclusive and enabling environment.
The Executive Chairman was accompanied by Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority; Naseer Ahmad Dar, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Srinagar; Naseer Ahmad, Director, School Education, Kashmir; Jahangir Ahmad Bakhshi, Joint Registrar Protocol, Srinagar, High Court of J&K and Ladakh; Dr. Mukhtiyar Ahmad, District Social Welfare Officer, Srinagar; Wajahat Majeed, Joint Secretary, Cricket Association of Jammu & Kashmir; Showkat Ahmad Mir, Superintendent, Palash; Sitander Kour, Superintendent, Paresha; Feroz Ahmad, Convener Jammu & Kashmir Alternative Care Network; and, along with other officers and officials.
During the visit, the Executive Chairman interacted with the children residing in both homes and engaged with them in a warm, friendly and encouraging atmosphere. He patiently listened to their experiences, aspirations and interests and encouraged them to pursue their education, cultivate positive values, develop their individual talents and remain confident in their abilities. He emphasized that every child deserves equal opportunities, care, affection, protection and a dignified environment in which to grow and realise their full potential.
The Executive Chairman underscored that children constitute the foundation of the nation’s future and that their protection, education, health, emotional well-being and holistic development must remain a collective priority. He observed that children residing in institutional care deserve particular attention, sensitivity and sustained support so that they may grow up with confidence, self-respect and a sense of belonging. He further emphasised the importance of ensuring that no child is deprived of opportunities to participate in educational, cultural, recreational and sporting activities.
The celebration witnessed several vibrant cultural and recreational activities, with the children enthusiastically participating and showcasing their talents.
A special highlight of the programme was the traditional Kashmiri Rauf performance presented by the boys and girls of Paresha and Palash, which beautifully reflected the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Kashmir. The performance was appreciated by the Executive Chairman and the accompanying dignitaries.
Adding further cheer and excitement to the celebrations, various recreational activities, including musical chairs and spoon race, were organised for the children. The enthusiastic participation of the boys and girls transformed the occasion into a memorable celebration filled with laughter, joy and youthful energy.
The activities provided the children with an opportunity to express themselves, demonstrate their sporting spirit and experience the happiness of collective participation.
The celebrations also included a special cake-cutting ceremony, in which the Executive Chairman, accompanied by the officers and officials present, joined the children in cutting the cake. The occasion was marked by warmth and camaraderie, as the children shared moments of happiness and togetherness with the visiting dignitaries.
As a gesture of encouragement and support towards the welfare, recreational interests and day-to-day needs of the children, the Executive Chairman, along with the accompanying officers, distributed bicycles, cricket kits, blankets, sports uniforms and other essential and utility items among the children. The distribution was intended to encourage their participation in sports and outdoor activities while also extending support towards their personal comfort and well-being. The initiative reflected the Authority’s commitment to promoting the interests of children beyond the conventional framework of legal assistance by recognizing their broader developmental, emotional and social needs.
In a further initiative aimed at strengthening the educational infrastructure and promoting technology-enabled learning, Smart Boards were also provided to both Paresha and Palash Children Homes.
The initiative is intended to facilitate interactive and digitally enabled learning, enhance the educational experience of the children and provide them with access to modern teaching methodologies. The provision of Smart Boards reflects the commitment of the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring that children residing in institutional care are equally equipped with contemporary educational facilities and opportunities for academic excellence.
The Executive Chairman also highlighted the significance of coordinated institutional efforts in ensuring effective implementation of child protection and welfare measures. He observed that the protection of children from abuse, exploitation, neglect, discrimination and other forms of vulnerability is not merely a statutory obligation but a collective moral and constitutional responsibility. He stressed that children must be made aware of their fundamental rights, including their right to education, safety, protection, participation and development, in a manner appropriate to their age and understanding.
In this regard, the role of Legal Services Institutions in facilitating access to justice, creating legal awareness, extending legal assistance and ensuring the effective protection of children’s rights was also underscored. The legal services framework, through its outreach initiatives and child-centric interventions, seeks to ensure that children, particularly those belonging to vulnerable and disadvantaged sections of society, are not left without access to legal remedies, institutional support and welfare mechanisms.
The occasion also reaffirmed the importance of collaborative engagement between the Legal Services Authority, Social Welfare Department, Mission Vatsalya, educational institutions, sports bodies and other stakeholders in strengthening the institutional framework for child protection and welfare. Such coordinated efforts are essential for creating an environment in which every child is provided with adequate opportunities to learn, grow, participate and develop into a confident and responsible individual.
The children expressed happiness and gratitude for the celebration and the thoughtful gestures extended towards them. Their enthusiastic participation in the cultural performances, games and other activities added a special significance to the occasion and made the celebration truly memorable.
The Children’s Day celebration at Paresha and Palash was not merely a ceremonial observance but a reaffirmation of the enduring commitment of the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority towards the cause of child welfare, protection and empowerment. It conveyed a strong message that every child, irrespective of their circumstances, is entitled to love, care, dignity, equal opportunities and a future filled with hope.
The Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing child rights, promoting legal awareness, strengthening access to justice and ensuring that the principles of protection, participation, development and dignity remain central to every initiative undertaken for the welfare of children.
