More than 300 children from 40 slums participated in the first ever Raahgiri celebration in Berhampur city. City Level Children’s Federation participated in activities like drawing competition and rangoli on the theme “My Dream City’.
Kids participated very enthusiastically in the activities spreading the message of ‘child friendly city’. Children for the first time occupied their space on the road and demonstrated their importance. There is lack of space for children in Berhampur to play, interact and network with their peers. And cities become unsafe due to more vehicles on roads. Raahgiri has made it possible for the citizens and children to make their importance in the city life.
Youth for Social Development (YSD) a local NGO has, participated in the event on Raahgiri Day in Berhampur city. Children’s Raahgiri has been begun by the hands of city Mayor Smt. K. Madhavi, Berhampur Development Authority (BDA) Chairman Sri Subash Maharana, BDA Secretary Smt. Dipti Mahapatra with the presence of YSD President Sri Lokanath Misra. YSD has been working to improve the living condition of children living in urban poverty since 2012. Children from Raghupati Nagar, Jagannath Nagar, Gramdevati Bauri street, Old Berhampur Bauri street, Jagabandhu Bandh huda, Purnabasi Colony. Lanjipali Goudabandh street, Telgu street, Ankuli Gudia Bandh street, Ambapua Bauri street, Khodasingi Bauri street and Dhimira Bauri street participated. Youth volunteers Bala Das, Bidyut parava Das, Pinky Das, Radha Dash, Banita Nayak, Jharana Das, Jyoti Das, Basant Das, Rinky Patra, Suprava Das and Sumi Maharana coordinated the program.