---> Events to generate awareness about Child Relief <----
Vijayakumar Vemulapalli
EVENTS THAT RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT CHILS RELIEF
CRY fund raising efforts have always been a great success in raising funds
for child-related projects, this has a less obvious result of creating
awareness on children's issues and creating a climate where these can be
addressed. Here are some examples of the evevnts held in 1995.
In collaboration with some of the foremost artists of India, two events
were held that raised both funds and awareness of the plight of children.
These events were "Concert Under The Stars" and "Art For CRY".
Concert Under The Stars
=======================
On January 27 1995, this concert was held at Kalaghoda car park.Artists
Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ratan Sharma, Shankar
Mahadevan, Sultan Khan, Fazal Quereshi, Sridhar Parthasarathy and Vijay Ghate
performed Indian classical music in a concert in aid of CRY.
The musicians donated their time for free or at a nominal fee. Phillips
Powerhouse was the main sponsor for the event and provided support for the
light, sound and infrastructure. Damania Airways provided free tickets for the
artists.
Art For CRY
===========
Echoing the largest ever exhibition of Indian Contemporary art in 1988,
organised by CRY, "Art For CRY 1995" was held at the Jehangir Art Gallery,
Bombay, from January 31st to February 5th. This exhibition was a support
of CRY causes by the art community. 51 of the leading contemporary artists
of India exhibited their finest work. The exhibition travelled to Delhi's
Lalit Kala Academy from February 17-23 1995.
Funds raised through this exhibition will go towards child development
projects supported by CRY. Jehangir Sabavala was the chief guest at the
Bombay exhibition, and the Lt.Governor of Delhi, Mr.P.K.Dave was the guest
of honor at the Delhi function.
Remembering Rippan
==================
This is the title of the a 200 page black and white book, that captures the
essence of the late Rippan Kapur, the founder of CRY, and the memories and
thoughts of people who knew him. This book is available at CRY for Rs.100.
A film directed by Sumantra Ghoshal on Rippan was premiered at the Art For
CRY opening ceremony both at Bombay and Delhi. Sumantra is one of India's
leading AD film maker. The film was sponsored by Air India.
Child Art
=========
Alongside the exhibition held at Jehangir Art Gallery, CRY held another
very special art exhibition, which comprised the art done by children of
CRY supported schools in the western region, namely, Doorstep School, Bombay;
Mobile Creches, Bombay; and Vanchit Vikas, Pune. The proceeds from the sale of
these wonderful , vibrant paintings were given to the participating projects
for recreational facilities for the children.
Welcome Change
==============
Damania Airways helped CRY raise Rs.7 lakhs in aid of disadvantaged children,
by a unique fund raising drive.Envelopes titled "Welcome Change", sporting
the CRY logo and the smiling face of a girl. These were distributed among
passengers who were informed about the Welcome Change scheme and CRY. Donations
made were collected and presented to CRY, by Parvez Damania.
CRY For CRY
===========
Another example of the music community's sympathy for the cause of CRY,
was the gesture of the noted ghazal artist Jagjit Singh, who with HMV,
produced the cassette "Cry For CRY". 10% of the life long royalty will be
donated to CRY. To launch the album Jagjit Singh performed at Nehru Center
on April 20th. The concert raised a lot of public awareness of CRY and its
message.
A Rare Culinary Event
=====================
The Indian Culinary Federation hosted the first ever fund raising gourmet
charity event called "Chef and Child Benevolent Evening" in aid of CRY.
40 chefs, including 14 executive chefs from 13 of Delhi's best hotels combined
to make the gourmet meal. 200 guests attended, at a cover charge of Rs.2500.
As voiced by the President of ICF, chef M.S. Gill, the aim was two pronged.
The event displayed the culinary skills of Indian chefs and at the same time
raised funds for under privileged children.
Something For Everybody
=======================
Shoppers Stop made a special offer- they traded a pair of new jeans at discount
ed prices, for a pair of old jeans. The old jeans were sold to the wholesalers,
the proceeds of Rs.71,900 was donated to CRY.
Baskin Robbins donated 5% of its total day's sale to CRY on Childrens day.
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OTHER ACTIVITIES TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT CHILD RELIEF
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CHILD RELIEF AND YOUTH
======================
CRY has set up Youth Wings in Bombay, Delhi,Madras and Bangalore with the
aim of raising motivation and awareness among youth to take action for
underprivileged children. The objective is to involve youth in the process of
change at a time when their energy and idealism is still intact.
Currently our Youth Wings work with over 200 schools and colleges all over
India. The Youth Wing holds regular presentation at schools discussing issues
such as child labour, street children and the girl child. Students are
encouraged to take action through direct interface with underprivileged
children, or to participate in awareness generation or fund raising events
like school sales, plays, and painting or essay competitions. Here are a few
examples of initiatives through CRY's Youth Wings.
By the Child, for the Child
===========================
The students of Durello Convent Bombay, that CRY's Bombay Youth Wing has been
working closely with made posters highlighting the problems of deprived
children. The students went on a material drive, collecting toys notebooks and
other school materials for the children of Apnalaya, a CRY supported child
development project.
The Hope Theatre
================
CRY Madras and a local theatre group,"Magic Lantern", staged six shows of
"Fables",a play based on a collection of animal fables from La Fontaine,
the Arabian Nights, The Panchatantra and others. Colourfully enacted by the
help of masks, puppets, mime and magic, the play intends to amuse and educate.
It has been staged in English in four schools in Madras, as well as a free
show for 100 children from CRY supported projects in Madras. This activity
was co-ordinated by CRY's Youth Wing in Madras.
Young Expressions
=================
In Delhi, the Indian Express Youth publication"Young Expression", featured
a creative competition on behalf of CRY in the Nov-Dec issues. In February
they published an article on Rippan and CRY. "Offspring", of Times of
India has given CRY a regular column.
Walk-A-Thon
===========
The National Honor Society at the American Embassy School held a charity
drive on January 21st, 1995. The Walk-A -Thon was a 2.5 kilometers route
through Chanyakapuri's diplomatic enclave. The proceeds Rs.14,720 were
donated to CRY.
Food Fun Games and Prizes
=========================
CRY Calcutta, together with the Vikranshila Education Resource Society
organised a children's Fete at Chelta, Ikri Mikri, on January 31st 1995
to celebrate the 40th birthday of our late founder Rippan Kapur.
The event was organised for 200 children from CRY-supported projects
around west Bengal. The day's activities included a sit-and-draw game, a
cultural corner for performing songs, dances and skits, 10 game stalls,
a treasure hunt, food and a lots of prizes. There was something for everyone.
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