Children perform at the event. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey

Patna, March 9: The common perception that children often show the way to their elders was proved right today when around 75 children put forth their views and thoughts on child marriage, foeticide and child labour among other issues ailing the society.

The children had come together to be a part of a daylong state-level advocacy campaign “Children’s participation for active citizens” organised by non-governmental organisations, Nidan and Plan India, at Bhartiya Nritya Kala Mandir.

The event took off with a performance by children from Saran who sang Akshar ki barsaat. Although they did not touch the right notes and even faltered on their beats on several occasions, the lyrics touched the audience members present. The programme went ahead with the play Bal Adalat. Donning the roles of judge and local administrator, the children portrayed their problems. The first case was about a muscleman, Chulbul Pandey, who had captured the state-owned playground for children. Parents thrusting their desires on children was portrayed in a case on child marriage.

State social welfare minister Parveen Amanullah and Ramdeo Prasad, the chairperson of Bihar State Child Labour Commission, were among the dignitaries present at the event.

Amanullah said: “I am honoured to be part of their world. As adults, we forget the thoughts and needs of our children. But the way these children raised questions on issues like child marriage and foeticide defined the simplicity of their thoughts and their sense of justice.” She also praised the efforts of Nidan and Plan India that have initiated various skill programmes for the children.

She said: “Enrolling them in activities like cartoon-making and theatre will go far in developing their personality. The government also encourages various education-related programmes.”