Back from recreational tour, kids share experience with CM
Returning from their first ever air journey and a memorable stay in three star hotels, 22 ‘Children of the State’ met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at his official residence here today. These children returned from a 13-day educational and recreational tour on January 13 and shared their experiences of the tour with the Chief Minister. The government has adopted orphans as the children of the state.
Interacting with the children, the Chief Minister enquired about their experiences during the trip. Nancy, a Class 12 student, described her excitement during the air travel, saying, “It was thrilling to experience everything, from airport to the air journey. We also visited historic monuments that brought centuries of India’s rich history to life,” she said.
Kashish shared her fascination with the exhibits at the Science Museum in Delhi and her joy during the fantasy rides. Dharmendra recalled the group’s fun-filled moments at Goa’s beaches, where they danced and enjoyed to their hearts’ content. “We learned the importance of discipline while traveling in a group and how to plan for air travel,” he said.
All the children acknowledged the Chief Minister’s care and vision, saying, “His initiative has given us the status of Children of the State, for which we are forever grateful. If it weren’t for him, we would have remained mere objects of sympathy.”
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said it wasn’t a favour to them. “It is your right to benefit from the state’s resources. Through the Mukhyamantri Sukhashray Yojana, the state government has enacted laws to ensure that orphaned children are taken care of as Children of the State. The government will act as their guardian, providing support for their upbringing, education and self-reliance,” the Chief Minister said.
“Just as the parents take their children on trips, the Himachal Pradesh government is committed to offering similar experiences to the Children of the State. These trips are designed to provide learning and exposure that will help them contribute to society and the nation in the future,” said Sukhu.
This group of Children of the State visited Pinjore, Chandigarh, Delhi and Goa during their journey. They travelled by India’s premier Shatabdi Express train, stayed in three-star hotels and explored numerous historical sites. Their journey commenced on January 2, which was flagged off by the Chief Minister himself, and concluded on January 14.
