‘God is with you, so go and be winners,’ Acharya tells children

[caption id="attachment_211459" align="aligncenter" width="565"] PB Acharya showing ‘magic tricks’ to children during the outreach programme for children, at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima on Tuesday, Oct. 9.[/caption] Our Correspondent Kohima, Oct. 9 (EMN): The four-day programme for children from child welfare institutions across the state conceived by the governor of Nagaland PB Acharya and hosted by Raj Bhavan from October 5, culminated on Tuesday. During the four days’ programme at Raj Bhavan, Acharya interacted with about 527 children, besides care-givers from 38 welfare homes from all the districts of the state. The governor displayed his childlike, fun side as he played and laughed with the children, and even showed ‘magic tricks’ and encouraged them during the event. As he interacted with 86 children from eight institutions from Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Tuensang, Zunheboto and Mokokchung on the last day of the programme at the Raj Bhavan, Acharya encouraged them to always have a positive outlook on life. He urged them to never lose heart, or give up pursuing their dreams. “You are not alone; God is with you and we are with you,” Acharya told them. He told them to have a broad perspective wherever and in whatever they do. Stressing on the importance of language, which he called ‘a vehicle of communication,’ he urged them to learn as many languages as they can. Archer and Olympian Chekrovolu Swuro also said during the event that she was blessed to be among the children. The children were encouraged to give their best in whatever they do, and never to give up hope and passion in pursuing and achieving their goals. Swuro also spoke of her experiences in life as a sportsperson having to face many failures and how she overcame to be where she was today through perseverance and a never-die attitude. Also present at the programme was the additional deputy commissioner of Kiphire district, Reny Wilfred. In his short speech, the officer encouraged the children to face the challenges of life with the motto “I know can; I Know I will.” In doing, he asserted, nothing will stop them from achieving their dreams. Citing the example of Kiphire’s Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Shihab who lived in an orphanage during his childhood, Reny maintained that nothing can stop a person who has determination and will to fight any obstacle in life in pursuing their goals. Another feature to the day’s programme at the Raj Bhavan included entertainment activities and games on the lawns of the governor’s official residence. On the first day of the outreach programme, the governor had interacted with children from child welfare institutions from Phek, Peren and Wokha; the second day with children from Dimapur; and third day with children from Kohima. The programme was conceived by Acharya and organised in collaboration with the State Child Protection Society, Child Protection Service, and the department of Social Welfare.