22 Jan 2011|Noida | Palika Services Officers Institute, Chanakyapuri
Wives of I.C.S./I.A.S Officers hold "Winter Carnival - 2011" to uplift the spirits of underprivileged children
I.C.S./I.A.S Officers Wives Association (IASOWA) organized a "Winter Carnival - an Extravaganza of Fun and Frolic" at Palika Services Officers Institute (PSOI), Chanakyapuri, New Delhi to raise funds for Prerna School (for the children of daily wage earners) and Thyagraj Stitching and Computer Training Centre (for the needy) which are run by IASOWA.
Thousands of people with varied interests thronged the venue and the warm sunny morning elevated their lively spirits.
Inaugurating the Carnival, Mrs. Salma Ansari, Wife of Honble Vice-President of India appreciated the efforts of the stall owners who came forward to contribute towards the noble cause and emphasized that the awareness about the " Winter Carnival" and the noble objective behind the initiative should spread across India. She applauded the efforts of the members of IASOWA and remarked that the Carnival shows the level of women empowerment in India and speaks volume about their capability, determination and dexterity. "It is evident from the Carnival that India is developing very fast and the rural and urban divide will soon be abridged", averred Mrs. Ansari
Welcoming the august gathering and distinguished guests, Ms. Jaya Shekhar- President, IASOWA extended her gratitude to everyone associated with the Carnival. She highlighted that IASOWAs Winter Carnival is different because it brings children from privileged as well as underprivileged sections of society together on a common platform to unleash their unbridled creativity and talent in various competitive events of the carnival. Ms. Shekhar shared how the idea of the Winter Carnival was conceptualized on a small scale in 1950s, how gradually it grew in scale and the humungous participation and involvement of people from different sections of society witnessed by the present Winter Carnival.
Commending the work of IASOWA and the objective of holding "Winter Carnival", Dr. Ashok K Chauhan- Founder President, Amity Group averred that the main purpose of the Carnival is to develop rural India and to make people aware of this noble purpose so that they can come forward and contribute towards the cause. "Non- Profit Organizations and NGOs such as PRERNA, AANCHAL, THYAGRAJ STICHING CENTRE are working very sincerely and dedicatedly to provide necessary fillip to the old and needy people of the society by imparting them vocational training and making them self- reliant. Amity Group wholeheartedly supports the work of the organizations which are striving so hard to bring about a change in the Indian society and milieu, stressed Dr. Chauhan. Dr. Chauhan also shared the philanthropic activities Amity Group has been engaged in including " Amitasha" project under which the underprivileged girl children are provided free education (including free uniform, books and meals) and the programmes in " Cold Chain Management and Post Harvest Technology" conducted by Amity for helping marginal and small scale farmers.
The carnival saw the presence of eminent personalities including Social Activist and member of Legislative Assembly, Honble Mrs. Barkha Singh, Padamshree Shovana Narayan-the most celebrated Artist and Guru of Kathak, Animal Rights Activist, Ms. Maneka Gandhi, Famous Author, Dr. Rick levy and his wife Ms. Lisa Tatum Levy and the members from the Amity Family including Dr. (Mrs.) Amita Chauhan- Chairperson, Amity International Schools, Ms. Divya Chauhan- Chairperson, Amity School of Fashion Designing and Amity School of Fine Arts and Ms. Pooja Chauhan.
The captivating games, quiz and painting competition that were exclusively designed to treat the senses of the young minds ranging from the tiny tots to vibrant teenagers, saw an overwhelming participation.
The lucky winners of the Painting Competition in the age group of 5-8 years included Ishita Jain (First Prize), Bhowmik and Nandini (Second Prize), Yashvi Jain and Mridini Anand (Third Prize). In the age group of 9-12 years, Gaurav Pati received the First prize, Japneet Kaur and K. Abhinanyas bagged the Second Prize and Bhumika Sarkar and Sanjola Mukund received the Third prize. In the age group of 13-16 years, Dishaddra Poddar won the First prize, Stuti Sengupta and Mugdh Setia won the Second Prize and Mohit and Bhavya Yadav won the Third Prize. The prizes included Color Sets and Art Books sponsored by Camlin India Private Limited.
Events like Flower Arrangement Competition (categorized into Corner Arrangement, Centre Tble Arrangement and Dry Arrangement), Wine Tasting Session and Tarot Reading engulfed the minds of the aesthetically inclined visitors.
Students from Prerna School and Thyagraj Stitching and Computer Training Centre presented a multi- hued cultural program which was applauded by one and all. Students from Amity International School enthralled the visitors dancing on the song of " Vande Mantram".
Over 70 stalls were put up in the Carnival and the stalls of " Ministry of Rural Development", " Indian Farm and Forestry Development Corporation", " Mother Diary", " Pups for Adoption" by People for Animals Association and " Airport Authority of India Welfare Association" attracted the maximum number of visitors. Various NGOs like PRERNA had also put up their stalls selling jute bags, paper bags, pickles, ceramics prepared by old and needy.