Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Hon’ble Up-Rashtrapatiji,
Shri V.S. Sunil Kumar, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture,
Shri Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Member of Legislative Assembly,
Shri Justice (Retd) Cyriac Joseph, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India,
Shri T.K.A. Nair, Former Principal Secretary to Prime Minister,
Dr. P.M. Mubarak Pasha, Secretary, Balajanasakhyam,
Shri Jacob Mathew, Managing Editor, Malayala Manorama,
Kumari Anjitha Ashok, State President, All Kerala Balajanasakhyam,
Dear Members of Bala Jana Sakhyam,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram.
It gives me great joy to preside over the Navathi Celebrations of Akhila Kerala Bala Jana Sakhyam, the children's organization initiated and nurtured by Malayala Manorama, Kerala's leading newspaper.
We are fortunate to have our respected Upa Rashtrapatiji to inaugurate this programme. On behalf of everyone present here, I welcome our Hon'ble Upa Rashtrapati-ji to Kottayam, well known as Akshara Nagari.
Let me at the outset, partake in the boundless joy and pride of the members of the Sakhyamand Malayala Manoramaas the Bala Jana Sakhyam celebrates the 90th anniversary of its formation.
As we all know, this children's organization has been encouraging the spirit of unity and social service among boys and girls since 1929. With the motto,'We Serve', Bala Jana Sakhyam has also been empowering our children with the leadership qualities required to succeed in life. With such high ideals, it is not surprising that Bala Jana Sakhyam has grown into the largest non-political democratic organization in Asia.
The LateK C Mammen Mappilai, who founded this social service organization in 1929, had great faith in the role of Children as the future citizens who would build a strong and vibrant India. His son, the Late K.M. Mathew, who was enrolled as the first member of the Sakhyam in 1929, later contributed to the phenomenal growth of the organization in his capacity as one of the most celebrated editors of our time. The Navathi celebration is also a moment to recall the farsighted vision of these former Chief Editors in inspiring our children to work for the nation.
With an active presence in almost every village of Kerala, Bala Jana Sakhyam has helped to develop the physical, mental and aesthetic abilities of our children by initiating them to community work. This opportunity for meaningful social interactions has helped them to feel the pulse of the society and breathe in the spirit of democratic discipline. Many of the most successful leaders in today's socio political scenario were once groomed by Bala Jana Sakhyam. Former Governor Dr. P.C. Alexander, former Union Minister the Late C.M. Stephen, former Chief Minister Shri Oommen Chandy and Shri Ramesh Chennithala, the Leader of the Opposition are some shining examples.
The greatest quality of the Sakhyam is the faith in God and a broad vision, free from any partisan thinking. Its philosophy reminds one of Swami Vivekananda for whom, to be good and to do good was the whole of religion. With such a broad and unselfish outlook, the Bala Jana Sakhyam has facilitated heart surgery for over 250 children and built houses for the homeless. Its constructive activities have proved time and again that children can build, create and care. Let me once again place on record my deep sense of appreciation for the nation-building activities of Bala Jan Sakhyam, which were once blessed by Mahatma Gandhi through his writings. I wish all the members of the Sakhyam greater success in empowering our children with knowledge about their rights and in keeping our nation more united and stronger in the years to come.
With these words, I request our Hon’ble Upa Rashtrapati-ji to kindly inaugurate the Navathi celebrations.
Ellavarkkum Ente Navathi Aashamsakal
Thank You
Jai Hind
***
