Justice Sanjeev Kumar Celebrates Children’s Day at Paresha and Palash Homes, Reaffirms Commitment to Child Rights and Welfare
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 14: Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Executive Chairman of the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority (JKLSA), celebrated Children’s Day with the children residing at Paresha (Children’s Home for Girls) and Palash (Children’s Home for Boys) at Ishber, Nishat, Srinagar, on Saturday, reaffirming the importance of child protection, education, dignity and equal opportunities.
The celebration was organised in a warm and encouraging atmosphere, highlighting the collective responsibility of institutions and society towards ensuring the safety, welfare and holistic development of children, particularly those living in institutional care.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar interacted with the children, listened to their aspirations and interests and encouraged them to pursue education, nurture their talents and develop confidence in their abilities. He emphasised that every child, irrespective of social or personal circumstances, deserves equal opportunities, affection, protection and a dignified environment to realise their full potential.
Underscoring the importance of children's welfare, the Executive Chairman observed that children represent the foundation of the nation's future and that their education, health, emotional well-being and overall development must remain a collective priority. He stressed that children residing in institutional care require sustained attention, care and support to help them grow into confident and responsible individuals.
The celebrations featured a series of cultural and recreational activities, with children enthusiastically showcasing their talents. A traditional Kashmiri Rauf performance presented by boys and girls from both homes emerged as a special highlight, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. The performance was appreciated by Justice Sanjeev Kumar and the accompanying dignitaries.
Musical chairs, spoon races and other recreational activities added to the festive spirit, providing children an opportunity to participate, express themselves and enjoy moments of togetherness. A special cake-cutting ceremony was also held, with the Executive Chairman and accompanying officers joining the children in the celebrations.
As part of the initiative, bicycles, cricket kits, blankets, sports uniforms and other essential utility items were distributed among the children to support their recreational interests, sporting activities and day-to-day needs.
In a significant step towards strengthening educational facilities, Smart Boards were also provided to both Paresha and Palash Homes. The initiative is aimed at promoting technology-enabled learning, facilitating interactive classroom experiences and ensuring that children in institutional care have access to modern educational resources and contemporary teaching methods.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar emphasised that protecting children from abuse, exploitation, neglect and discrimination is not merely a statutory obligation but also a collective moral and constitutional responsibility. He highlighted the need to make children aware of their rights, including the right to education, safety, protection, participation and development.
The role of legal services institutions in facilitating access to justice, creating legal awareness and providing assistance to children belonging to vulnerable and disadvantaged sections of society was also underscored. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among the Legal Services Authority, Social Welfare Department, Mission Vatsalya, educational institutions, sports bodies and other stakeholders to strengthen the child protection framework.
The Executive Chairman was accompanied by Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority; Naseer Ahmad Dar, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Srinagar; Naseer Ahmad, Director, School Education, Kashmir; Jahangir Ahmad Bakhshi, Joint Registrar Protocol, Srinagar, High Court of J&K and Ladakh; Dr. Mukhtiyar Ahmad, District Social Welfare Officer, Srinagar; Wajahat Majeed, Joint Secretary, Cricket Association of Jammu & Kashmir; Showkat Ahmad Mir, Superintendent, Palash; Sitander Kour, Superintendent, Paresha; and Feroz Ahmad, Convener, Jammu & Kashmir Alternative Care Network, besides other officers and officials.
The children expressed happiness and gratitude for the celebrations and the gifts presented to them. Their enthusiastic participation in cultural performances and recreational activities added to the significance of the occasion.
The Children's Day programme at Paresha and Palash went beyond a ceremonial celebration, reaffirming the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority's commitment to child protection, empowerment and welfare. It conveyed the message that every child, regardless of circumstances, is entitled to care, dignity, security and equal opportunities to build a better future. ANB
