Caring for Children

Updated on: Monday, February 13, 2012

Students of St Xavier’s College devoted a weekend for the joy of as many as 800 underprivileged children from the nearby villages. Shishu Mela, an initiative undertaken especially by the Department of Social Service and NSS of the St Xavier’s College has now become an annual event since 1995.

The members of the Social Service and NSS department are immensely thankful to their department director Cheryl Francis who has been the pioneer of this noble initiative along with all the heads of the departments, vice principals and the principal of the college, Father Felix Raj.

Children from villages such as Paikhala, Devipur, Shalpukur, Gurap, Ghostomath, Nurshidar Chowk, Bolrampur participated on this fun Sunday. Children from Non Governmental Organisations such as Snegam, Asha Niketan, Bodhana, IICP and St Xavier’s Evening School also were a part of Shishu Mela 2012. Apart from them, there was a group of differently-abled children who spent the day happily.

All the 800 children were brought to the premises of the college from their respective villages in buses and were given sumptuous food and beverage throughout the day. Students from as many as 18 departments of the esteemed college volunteered and joined the children in various games and activities.

Stalls were put up by the students where these children indulged themselves in fun activities like car race, mini golf, and treasure hunt while tumble tosses remained their favourite.
 
A wholesome lunch was followed by a live band performance where music bonded the children and the college students. The children also got a chance to shake a leg to their favourite Tollywood actor Dev’s dance numbers. Each participating child was given a jute goodie bag filled with gifts.

Father Felix Raj acknowledged the spirit of the students and the members of the faculty for the success of yet another Shishu Mela. He added that the Department of Social Service and NSS also engage in weekly activities where they visit villages and contribute to their well being.
 
Also, the college was proud to have its students from the exchange programme participating whole-heartedly in this event. There are around 15 students from the US who have come down to the college to study for a semester. The principal said that Shishu Mela would definitely be an enriching experience for them.

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