Bhubaneswar:  In an innovative approach to convey, social messages on safe and healthy physical environment for young children living in urban poverty.  The volunteers of’ Dhool Ke Phool, a “Humara Bachpan” campaign initiative today started the mobile film festival across city slums for the young children.

“This programme is a small attempt to inculcate a degree of understanding, within young minds about a safer living environment in the city slums.” said Mihir Mohanty, National campaign co-ordinator of Humara Bachpan. More than 200 children from Janata Nagar, Santi Nagar, Ekamra Vihar, Mahavir Nagar, Shakti Vihar, Nirankari Nagar, Aditya Vihar, Laxmi Vihar and areas of Salia Sahi came forward to be part of the film festival.

The festival started with the documentary on introduction to’ Dhool Ke Phool’. Then, stories from ‘Panchatantra’ were showcased to suggest true value of friendship and take ownership of things that affect children on a daily basis.  One short movie on the early childhood of former President APJ Abdul Kalam was also screened and kids from the nearby areas enjoyed and got motivated.

Post screening, children had discussion about their ideal living space, children expressed that they would essentially want better drainage facilities, better roads, spaces for playing, and safer homes in their slums. In an act to take up responsibility they have decided to form child clubs in their respective areas. “It is worth mentioning that this mobile film festival for the young children will proceed to every slum of the city to inspire the young minds” added Bikram Keshari Nayak, Programme Head, Dhool Ke Phool.