Chennai, India, 17 March 2023:

Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, Chennai observed the ‘103^rd Birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children’s Day-2023’ with due respect, solemnity, and fervour. The Mission observed the day at the Spastics Society of Tamil Nadu (SPASTN) in Chennai. SPASTN is a Not-for-Profit Community Based Organisation that endeavours to be a Centre of Excellence for persons with disabilities. The events included open discussion, display of science projects, sports competition and cultural program followed by refreshments.  The Mission also celebrated it at the Chancery premises.  

Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Shelley Salehin inaugurated activities arranged for the students of SPASTN. The activities involved football, snow balling and ball & target. Students of SPASTN also showcased a number of science projects. The programme included a display of mesmerizing cultural show performed by the students of the institution. The program concluded with cutting of a cake to celebrate the 103^rd Birth Anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman followed by refreshments.

Mrs. L.V. Jayashree, Director of the School in her welcome remarks, paid deep tribute to the memory of Bangabandhu and put some light on his contribution to the independence of Bangladesh. She showed her keen interest on sharing experiences with similar Bangladeshi institutions and concluded with the note that we must work together to make the world a better place for persons with disabilities.

‘Children inspired by the life of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has in important role in transforming Bangladesh into ‘Sonar Bangla’. Therefore, it is important to ensure a congenial environment so that all children can develop, grow and contribute’ Mr. Shelley Salehin said in his remarks.

A discussion was also held at the Mission premises. The Deputy High Commissioner paid deep homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing floral wreath on his portrait. At the start, messages issued by the Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs on the eve of the ‘103^rd Birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children’s Day-2023’ were read out followed by screening of short documentary on the life of Bangabandhu.

The participants in the open discussion remembered the love of Bangabandhu for children and his prudence in formulating the ‘The Children Act-1974’, even before the United Nations has formulated anything on children. Mr. Salehin, in his remarks said that Bangabandhu always thought that for making a country better and developed, investments should be made on children. Outlining various initiatives undertaken by the present Government of Bangladesh under the able leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, particularly for the betterment of the children, he reiterated the Government’s resolution to work towards making a better world for all children. A special ‘Dua’ was performed for the salvation of the departed souls of Bangabandhu and His Family Members. "