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Updated on: Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The fundamental Right to Education was enacted by the Indian parliament to provide free and compulsory education to all children in the 6-14 years age group. But there is a difference between legislation and implementation. It was this gap that was highlighted by the ‘My School Campaign’ organised by CRY-Child Rights and You on September 8, World Literacy Day.

An exhibition of postcards sent by 2,500 children from eastern and northeastern states was on display at the Kund Area of City Center 1, Salt Lake, to communicate their idea of a dream school and highlight the shortcomings of their own schools. The display was complemented by a panel discussion on pertinent issues like child labour, educational inequities, inadequate infrastructure in the schools, etc. It was attended by Atindranath Das, regional director of CRY; Satyagopal Dey, associate general manager, development support, CRY Kolkata; Jhelum Roy Chowdhury, manager, development support, CRY Kolkata; Sidhu, singer and member of Bengali band Cactus and Nipobithi, singer.

Atindranath Das said, “Our aim is to highlight the plight of the underprivileged section to civil society. The programme is self-explanatory; the postcards speak for themselves. The ‘My School Campaign’ is about spreading the voices of the less fortunate children. The success of this campaign depends on the participation and involvement of civil society.”

The issues highlighted in the postcards, written in Hindi and Bengali, were as basic as having a proper classroom, a library, maintenance of sanitation facilities, midday meals, a playground, school uniforms, etc. “In short, things that we take for granted,” commented Nipobithi, singer. “Their demand is for basic necessities, though education is a constitutional right in the country, not enough resources are allocated for child welfare,” added the singer.

Friends of CRY like Sidhu and Nipobithi have been roped in as public faces of the campaign which has been exhibited at South City Mall and Jadavpur University. The singers delivered their message through infotainment, armed with guitars and a repertoire of meaningful songs. Singer Sidhu of Cactus rued the ‘lack of participation’. “Had it been Valentine’s Day, people would have flocked to join,” commented Sidhu, “I realised how fortunate I have been to have had a good education after reading these postcards.”

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