Only when our children become strong, intelligent can they carry the nation ahead: Saryu
Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Nov 19: Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar on Wednesday expressed deep concern over children becoming increasingly “captured by the world of mobile phones,” distancing themselves from real social engagement. “Today’s children are confined within mobile screens. They have little awareness of what is happening in society. The real challenge before us is how to reconnect them with the community,” he said while addressing the fourth Bal Mela in Sakchi.
Calling the experience of attending the event “heartening,” the Governor said the fair celebrates childhood innocence and highlights the direction in which the future must move. He stressed that a lot of work remains in ensuring children’s rights and development, especially in Jharkhand. “Malnutrition is a serious issue in the state. Efforts to eliminate it must be accelerated,” he added.
Gangwar noted that the Bal Mela acts as a platform bringing together parents, teachers, doctors, nurses, public representatives, social organisations, corporates, media and civil society. He emphasised that five pillars — affection, nutrition, education, safety and opportunities — form the foundation of a strong and empowered nation.
Highlighting the tribal belief that a child belongs to the entire community, he said this philosophy offers the world an important message of collective responsibility. He urged parents to give children the freedom to learn, dream and grow and emphasised the importance of girls’ education. “If a daughter is educated, society becomes stronger,” he said.
The Governor observed the natural talent and love for nature among children, calling them “our true asset.” He reiterated that a safe, healthy and encouraging environment must be created so that children can grow educated, capable and happy.
Gangwar noted that the Bal Mela, initiated in 2022 at the inspiration of MLA Saryu Roy, has grown into a strong awareness platform on children’s rights, nutrition, education and health. He referred to this year’s World Children’s Day theme — “Parenting with Love: Leading the World” — stating that only a caring and sensitive environment can build strong future citizens.
Before his address, the Governor released a 40-page multi-coloured souvenir edited by Anand Singh. Contributions from Dr. Tripura Jha, Chandradeep Pandey and Anita Sharma formed the editorial team. The Governor was also presented with his portrait and Bal Mela-themed artwork created by noted artists Viplav Da and Dipankar Karmakar.
Earlier, Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy, in his address, recalled how the Bal Mela began in 2022. During the 2020–21 lockdown, his residence was converted into a community kitchen, preparing food for thousands. “We observed during those two years that children were the most adversely affected by the pandemic, even psychologically. That is why we launched the Bal Mela on Children’s Day, 14 November,” he said. The event concludes annually on World Children’s Day on 20 November.
Roy said the aim was to empower and prepare children to contribute meaningfully to the nation. Schools — government and private — have been actively participating by sending students and instructors. “Every competition held in Jamshedpur is also included in the Bal Mela. Next year we will organise it at a larger venue to enable participation from across Jharkhand,” he added.
To counter the psychological setbacks faced by children after the pandemic, activities were included for students who are not enrolled in schools as well. “We are working to make Jamshedpur a ‘Child-Friendly District’. A ‘Jamshedpur Declaration’ will soon be released,” he said, noting that 4,200 children have participated so far in 18 different competitions.
Upon the Governor’s arrival at Bodhi Maidan, students of PM Shri Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Patmada welcomed him with a band performance. The event began with lamp-lighting and the national anthem. A series of felicitations followed, honouring dignitaries including Governor Gangwar, MLA Saryu Roy, Ramesh Agrawal, Govind Dodrajka, Ashutosh Roy, Anshul Sharan and others.
Welcoming the guests, Govind Dodrajka praised MLA Roy as “one of the most intellectual legislators in the state,” adding that the Bal Mela has now become an identity of the city. The programme was coordinated by Mela Convenor Manoj Kumar Singh.
The event was attended by a large number of citizens including Ravindra Singh, Neeraj Singh, Amarpreeet Singh Kale, Shivshankar Singh, Murlidhar Kedia, Sudhanshu Ojha, Dilip Goyal, retired IPS officer Sanjay Ranjan Singh, Subodh Srivastava, Aftab Siddiqui, Shailendra Singh, Shambhu Singh, Mantu Singh, Vinod Roy, Pappu Singh, Abhishek Bhalotia, Aditya Mukherjee, M. Chandrasekhar Rao and many others.
