Children hold the key for India’s success. The policymakers must ensure that they get their share in the whatever is being planned to take the country forward.
The government is also running various programs to send a across message of inclusion of kids and ensuring a sense of equality in them.
During a UNICEF event celebrating World Children’s Day, cricketer and Regional Ambassador for UNICEF South Asia, Sachin Tendulkar, said, “I’ve always believed that sports liberate us from many shackles and helps us be better human beings. It plays a more important role for girls and women as it equips them with more power and confidence to make their mark.”
“Today’s game showed this. UNICEF’s efforts to link play and child rights are commendable. The game is yours as long as you have the passion in your heart,” he added.
Meanwhile, speaking on the occassion, actor and UNICEF advocate Ayushmann Khurrana, said, “When we play, we become a team and realise that our determination, passion, and enthusiasm are all that matter. This is what we are here to celebrate.
“Let’s empower girls and boys to promote equality and inclusion for all children. UNICEF, thank you for organising this event on a theme I care about.”
Hundreds of children gathered in Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in South Delhi. A team of 20 children played a friendly futsal match with Sachin Tendulkar and Ayushmann Khurrana.
Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF Representative to India said, “World Children’s Day is a time for all of us to renew our collective promises for every child, especially for girls, to be included and protected and reach their full potential, unhindered by gender stereotypes, inequalities, and other barriers. When it comes to #ChildRights, there can be only one team!
“UNICEF India is privileged to support this cross sectoral movement in India, a country that has made remarkable strides on improving outcomes for its youngest stakeholders and sees children as force multipliers for generational transformations. I thank the Secretary Youth Affairs and celebrities who joined today and reinforced the message on fighting discrimination and symbolically kicking it out of the park through sports.”
Meanwhile, ace Indian sprinter Hima Das joined children-centred activities in Assam.
This World Children’s Day’s theme is on sports as a powerful means to promote inclusion, equality and non-discrimination.
