Christmas Came Early For Our Children At Saksham And Pahal

Christmas bells jingled early in Pahal and Saksham, CRY supported projects, when the CRY volunteers organised Christmas festivities on the 23^rd of December, to be celebrated with children from surrounding areas. The children came from homes where positivity was scarce, and with inhibitions given their economic background. But the children looked forward to the celebrations with gleaming eyes, expecting a day filled with fun and frolic. CRY not only ensured fun but packed important lessons in between layers of frivolity.

CRY volunteers brought Christmas cheer to the children with which came important social messages that were delivered by the children and volunteers alike. The event kicked-off around 10 A.M. in the morning and continued for three jolly hours. The day commenced with a volunteer dressed as Santa Claus who gave an introductory speech which was followed by a play enacted by the children, on the history behind Christmas Day celebrations.

To turn on the fun quotient, the volunteers organised Bollywood style dance and folk dance, both of which were performed by the children with full enthusiasm and energy. Since the event was a platform where the children could also be made aware of their rights, there was a discussion on the need for child protection and how it can be achieved. To elaborate on this, the children enacted a play depicting classic situations that typically threaten the safety of children and how one can combat such situations. The play surrounding child protection showcased the rights a child is entitled to, how to be vigilant and how to be socially responsible as well. While some children performed, the others cheered on as the audience. Only positive feelings were being fostered. Not a single child felt left out for not being able to participate, instead they cheered loudly from the audience and enjoyed every bit of the event that had been organised for them, by them, with the help of the CRY volunteers. It was heart-warming to see the active interest that the children showed. Using theatre as a medium to communicate, the children got visual impressions of important messages that will stay in their mind forever.

The CRY volunteers too played an integral role in organizing and conducting the event. Some of them wrote the speeches while others choreographed the dance performances for the children. The work was divided between various volunteers keeping the children at the centre such that they get an opportunity to showcase their talents as they learnt about the importance of humanity, peace and unity, which was the undertone of this event and day. It is amazing how well they managed to balance the scale between fun and work.

The event not only revolved around the theme of Christmas and its historical significance but also helped to showcase the skills and talents of the children, in dance, music, acting and singing. The children were able to give full flight to their creative genius. People were left awestruck by their talent, dedication and team spirit. This helped fire up the confidence levels in children and turn them into becoming confident young minds, overflowing with talent.

To build upon an already amazing day, the event was graced with the presence of dignitaries such as the DCPRCC, Head Director of Pahal & Saksham and a local police constable. They felt that the event was a very creative endeavour and especially amused to see how much fun the children were having throughout the course of time. CRYs unique way to make the children aware about their rights and how to protect themselves, impressed the guests to a great extent.

What made the children most ecstatic was when they were given Christmas cake to celebrate the true spirit of the occasion. It was emotional to see how such little things mean so much to them and how wholeheartedly they appreciate everything in life, be it an opportunity to dance in the event or a slice of Christmas cake. They derive happiness and pleasure from everything. Such events not only bring about an all-round development in the personalities of the children but these children in turn help to shape the personalities of the volunteers. 

At the end of the day everyone had something to take back from the event- sweet memories, important life-changing lessons and the silent satisfaction of bringing smiles on so many faces.

  - Akanksha Chattopadhyay

   CRY Volunteer