Panaji: April 09, 2015 …. Social and economic disparity between people and groups has been a subject which has been engaging the focused attention and deep concern of the Hon’ble Governor, Smt. Mridula Sinha. She has been taking positive steps to bring about changes in this regard. Inequality and inequity, according to her, are stumbling blocks for the fuller development of human personality and social and national progress.
It is in this background that the Hon’ble Governor, Smt. Mridula Sinha, has evolved a unique programme: ‘Sachchi Dosti’, which is meant to bridge the gap between students of public schools and students of private schools. For the first time , this programme was organized at Raj Bhavan, on April 8, 2015 in co-ordination with the Directorate of Education, Goa.
At the above function, 20 Scheduled Tribe students (10 girls and 10 boys) from Government High School, Kundai, Ponda (which is in rural area and has more than 20% Scheduled Tribe students), and 20 students (10 girls and 10 booys) from St. Aloysius High School, Diwadi (Goa), were mixed with one from the Government and Private School, thereby creating twenty sets of buddy pairs.
The Hon’ble Governor distributed “Sachhi Dosti” kits containing a diary, Raj Bhavan Post-cards, envelopes, pens, pencils and postage stamps. They took oath of friendship and were asked to communicate with each other through Post-cards which were given to them. The students exchanged telephone numbers and they have been advised to communicate between them once in a month.
They were also advised to write diaries, and once in every month, the diaries will be shared in the presence of school teachers. The Hon’ble Governor advised the children to maintain their friendship throughout their life. They must meet once in 15 days at home or gardens and exchange pleasantries which will help in maintaining friendship.
The Hon’ble Governor in her speech at this function explained the existing inequality in status of the students studying in private schools and Government schools and stated that this concept was evolved by her to remove this social problem and create emotional and intellectual integration and a sense belonging among the students.
The Hon’ble Governor also gave her guidance to the students on the importance of cleanliness, both personal and environmental. She distributed “Swachchata kits” to the students which contained items such as duster, nail-cutter, tooth brush, tooth paste, comb and soap.
A Swachchata Pledge in Hindi and English was also given. The Hon’ble Govenor advised the children that they should keep their body always clean and maintain cleanliness in all places at home and schools. The children were also explained about how to dispose off the waste in a systematic manner.
The Hon’ble Governor informed the children that when the children take due care to keep the houses clean and tidy, their parents will appreciate it. The children were advised that they should adopt a habit to remove waste wherever they find and deposit it in the dustbin.
