Patna (Chandan Singh, Page 3 News Worldwide): UNICEF Bihar marked Children’s Week (November 14–20) with a vibrant state-level event at Urja Auditorium on Tuesday, celebrating the theme “My Day. My Rights.” The programme brought together children, policymakers and educators to highlight child rights and the need to create spaces where young people can freely express themselves.
The event opened with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by a welcome address from Margaret Gwada, Chief, UNICEF Bihar Field Office. She stressed the importance of ensuring that children participate meaningfully in decisions that shape their lives.
Dr Amardeep, Chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, delivered the inaugural address, calling child rights a collective social responsibility. “Every child must be able to exercise his or her rights in a safe and enabling environment,” he said.
In his keynote, Dr Amit Jain, ADG, Weaker Section, CID, emphasised strengthening systems that safeguard vulnerable children. Prof Rana Singh, Director, Chandragupta Institute of Management Patna, underlined the need to invest in children for a better future.
A powerful address came from Fatima, a child representative, who spoke about navigating life as a visually impaired girl and challenging societal expectations. Her story drew wide applause for its message of resilience.
One of the day’s highlights was a children-led panel on the four pillars of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child—Survival, Development, Protection and Participation—offering candid insights into their everyday challenges.
The cultural segment featured energetic performances by children from various organisations, including Nari Gunjan, Rainbow Homes, Pratham and Kilkari. Through songs, plays and karate demonstrations, they addressed issues such as climate change, sanitation, women’s empowerment, drug abuse and child marriage.
With an auditorium full of enthusiastic students, the event turned into a lively celebration of children’s agency. UNICEF said the week’s activities reaffirm its commitment to ensuring every child is heard, protected and empowered.
