Srinagar: Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and Executive Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority (J&K LSA), celebrated Children’s Day with children residing at Paresha Children’s Home for Girls and Palash Children’s Home for Boys at Ishber, Nishat, Srinagar, on Saturday.
During the visit, Justice Sanjeev Kumar interacted with the children, listened to their experiences and aspirations and encouraged them to pursue education, develop their talents and participate in educational, cultural, recreational and sporting activities.
He stressed that every child was entitled to equal opportunities, care, protection and a dignified environment to grow and realise their potential. He also highlighted the need for particular attention and sustained support for children living in institutional care.
As part of the programme, bicycles, cricket kits, blankets, sports uniforms and other essential items were distributed among the children to support their recreational activities and day-to-day needs.
Smart Boards were also provided to both children’s homes to facilitate technology-enabled learning and improve access to modern teaching methods.
The celebration featured cultural performances and recreational activities, with children from both homes participating in a traditional Kashmiri Rauf performance, musical chairs and spoon races. A cake-cutting ceremony was also held as part of the celebrations.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar emphasised that the protection, education, health and emotional well-being of children must remain a collective priority. He said children residing in institutional care should receive adequate opportunities to develop confidence, self-respect and a sense of belonging.
He also stressed the need to protect children from abuse, exploitation, neglect and discrimination, while ensuring that they are made aware of their rights to education, safety, protection, participation and development.
The role of legal services institutions in providing legal assistance, facilitating access to justice and creating awareness about child rights was also highlighted. He underscored the importance of coordination among the Legal Services Authority, Social Welfare Department, Mission Vatsalya, educational institutions, sports bodies and other stakeholders in strengthening child protection and welfare mechanisms.
The Executive Chairman was accompanied by Shazia Tabasum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority; Naseer Ahmad Dar, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Srinagar; Naseer Ahmad, Director School Education Kashmir; Jahangir Ahmad Bakhshi, Joint Registrar Protocol, Srinagar, High Court of J&K and Ladakh; Dr Mukhtiyar Ahmad, District Social Welfare Officer, Srinagar; Wajahat Majeed, Joint Secretary, Cricket Association of Jammu and Kashmir; Showkat Ahmad Mir, Superintendent, Palash; Sitander Kour, Superintendent, Paresha; and Feroz Ahmad, Convener, Jammu and Kashmir Alternative Care Network, among other officers and officials.
The children expressed happiness over the celebrations and the items distributed during the visit.
