A report on “Sishu Shanti Samaroh” conducted at Kokrajhar under project ‘Aashwas’ from 9th to 11th March, 2008

Project AASHWAS an Assam Police Project  to help the child victims of violence of Assam in collaboration with the Kokrajhar District Police and Society to Save Victims of Violence and Terrorism ( NGO) of Kokrajhar had organized  a “SISHU SHANTI SAMAROH’  at Kokrajhar  with a 3 (three) day long programme  w.e.f.  9th to 11th March, 2008. The event was conducted as per following programmes:
 
About 200 nos of child beneficiaries  along with their guardians of the district of Kokrajhar & Chirang who are receiving educational assistance from the National Foundation for Communal Harmony through project AASHWAS, arrived at  Kokrajhar District Sports’ Association Stadium, Kokrajhar  duly escorted by the local police on the afternoon of 9th March to attend in the “SISHU SHANTI SAMAROH’. It is to be noted that an amount of Rs. 750/- per month is granted by the National Foundation for Communal Harmony to each child of or below 18 years of age of families below the poverty line, and in whose household there has been a death caused by either terroristic, communal or ethnic violence. The child concerned continues to get the benefit till he or she attains the age of 18.

On arrival of the children with their guardians AASHWAS team with the assistance of members of SSVVT did the registration of their names and addresses. After lunch, a free Medical and Health camp was organized which was inaugurated by Shri Arabinda Kalita, S.P. Kokrajhar.  A group of  local doctors of Kokrajhar district examined  the children and the guardians. The doctors also distributed free medicines as per prescription.  In the evening  a stock- taking session on the receipt of the assistance and its utilization thereof was conducted where Shri R. N. Mathur, Hon’ble DGP, Assam & Chairman, Project Aashwas, Shri N. M. Dutta, IGP (BTAD), Shri Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta,  Dy.I.G. of Police , Administration  & Nodal Officer, Project Aashwas,  Shri J. S. Rawat, Asstt. Secretary, National Foundation for Communal Harmony, New Delhi, Shri K. V. Singh Deo , DIG (Western Range), Kokrajhar, Shri Kampha Borgoyary, EM, BTC, Kokrajhar, Sri B.B. Chetry, Comdt, 7th A.P.Bn., Sri Arabinda Kalita, S.P. Kokrajhar, Senior police officials of Kokrajhar District police and noted Psychiatrist Dr. Jayanta Das  were present. Shri B.J. Mahanta, DIG (Administration) & Nodal officer, Project Aashwas thoroughly briefed the children and their guardians about the scheme of Project ‘Assist” of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony from whom the child beneficiaries are getting the financial assistance. He has also deliberated upon the methodology of receipt of the particular assistance.  Shri R. N. Mathur, Hon’ble DGP, Assam & Chairman, Project Aashwas,  Shri J. S. Rawat, Asstt. Secretary, National Foundation for Communal Harmony, also delivered lectures on the educational assistance provided by the Foundation and its utilization. After that noted Psychiatrist Dr. Jayanta Das conducted a counselling  and motivation session with the  children and guardians . Dr. Das gave a valuable lecture on child issues and interacted with the child beneficiaries and their guardians. Dr. Das primarily addressed the issues of suffering trauma due to the killing of the near and dear ones of the children.

On  10th  March, 2008 at 8 AM the AASHWAS flag was hoisted by Shri N. M. Dutta, IGP (BTAD) at KSDA Stadium field, Kokrajhar followed by condolence & offering of floral tributes to their  beloved  ones by the children and guardians. After breakfast several sports competitions and drawing for the children as well as the guardians  were  organized by the Kokrajhar District Sports Association. On the same day  from 0930 AM to 1100 AM an assessment on receipt of assistance  and its utilization etc. was conducted  by Shri B. J. Mahanta, members of Aashwas team and SSVVT.

After the assessment session, a public meeting was organized where several dignitaries were present. 2 (two) children whose parents were killed in incidents of violence gave a lecture during the function. Their words brought tears to the eyes of the audience. BTC, Chief Hagrama  Mohilary  addressing the gathering appreciated the initiative of Assam Police for rehabilitation of violence hit families of Kokrajhar and Chirang District. He thanked National Foundation for Communal Harmony for providing educational assistance to the victim children. He however announced  to increase the assistance provided by the Foundation from Rs. 750/- to Rs. 1000/-  Shri J. S Rawat, spoke about the schemes of National Foundation for Communal Harmony from whom the victim children of Assam are getting   financial assistance for their educational rehabilitation etc. He also handed over a cheque  amounting Rs. 9,13,050/- to the DGP, Assam which was granted by the Foundation as financial assistance for 93 children of Kokrajhar district for further period of one year.

After the meeting, prizes were distributed among the winners of the various sports and drawing competition that was held.  The meeting ended with vote of thanks.

In the evening, a silent procession was organised which started from the Kokrajhar District Sports Association Field  to  Kokrajhar town and back to the Stadium. The procession  was led by the team of victim children with placards in their hands. A great number of ladies, Village Defence Parties of Kokrajhar District had earlier  gathered in the stadium.

At the end of the procession, which culminated in a huge gathering at the Kokrajhar District Sports Association stadium, the people took an oath that henceforth they will not do any thing that would harm the interest of the children of Assam.  

After the procession, a grand cultural nite was organized at KDSA, Kokrajhar indoor hall which was inaugurated by Shri B. J. Mahanta. Local Bodo artists like Sri Bigrai Brahma and Smti Menaka Narzary also participated in the programme.