Chennai: “Many roadside children have gone missing in our country. They might have been kidnapped. We do not know their current situation. We must put an end to this,” said actor Rajnikanth’s wife Latha Rajinikanth while talking to reporters on Thursday about the Peace for Children organisation founded by her.
Peace for Children is an extension of the NGO – Shree Daya Foundation run by Latha, that focuses on protecting children from domestic and emotional abuse, trafficking, exploitation and neglect. Latha talked about the upcoming activities of the organisation and the immediate need to focus on child protection.
She said, “I have been involved in child welfare activities with a service-oriented intention for the last 40 years. There is no work being done in our country to address child safety concerns. That is why I started the Peace for Children organisation three years back.”
Talking about the activities of the organisation, Latha said, “A lot of children from the roadside have gone missing and many have been kidnapped. At present, we are collecting details regarding their whereabouts and how they went missing. There are also many cases on missing children that are pending in court. To prevent the kidnapping of children in the future, the government and NGOs must work together.”
Latha said that her organisation has been providing education and access to healthcare facilities to many roadside children.
She said, “We also facilitate adoption processes so that they can find a caring family and home. We find that many parents kill their own children due to family disputes. So, we have started counselling sessions for families too. We are ready to adopt and raise these children as our own.”
“I and my team have travelled across India for this cause to raise awareness on the issue. We need a lot of volunteers to take up this cause. Those who are interested are welcome to join hands with us,” Latha added.
| TALENT SHOW |
| The Peace for Children organisation will conduct a children’s talent show from 2 to 4 November at Ramachandra Convention Centre in Thiruvanmiyur to raise awareness about children’s safety.
Boxer Mary Kom will be present. Latha said that over 1,500 children would participate in the event and it would be conducted like a family function. “The children’s talent show will showcase their skills in singing, dance, sports and other activities,” she said. |