An Action for Children in Mumbai

When heavy rains had brought Mumbai city to a halt, spirits of children from Sparsha – a charitable trust were rising high to participate in their annual function ‘Baalotsav’ organized jointly by Sparsha and Smile Foundation on June 8, 2008.

‘Sanskar’, a project by Sparsha and supported by Smile Foundation, aims to transform the lives of children living in the slums of Mumbai through the power of education. Every year “Baalotsav” is organized to showcase the talents of these children to the larger community where they reside and boost their self-confidence.

Moved by the enthusiasm and spirit shown by children, approximately 500 people attended Baalotsav. Speaking on the occasion Sarika Desai, Director, Sparsha said, “Slum children do not always have it easy. Many of them are pulled out of school and are forced to support their families. They rarely see education as a necessity. Their background makes it difficult for them to educate themselves but it is a crucial time for the children and we do not want them to work at a small age. We want them to become something and make their parents feel proud.”

The support of Smile Foundation to project “Sanskar” through its “Action for Children” programme had been invincible. Based on the premise that development is not just the government’s responsibility alone but people’s concern too, the programme aims to involve privileged masses to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged.

The programme ended with some of the children receiving prizes for their work. The parents of these children were also a part of the event and they were as excited to see their children exude so much confidence.