News and Events/PRIZES DISTRIBUTED TO WINNERS OF CHILDLREN'S PAINTING & FOLK GROUP DANCE

New Delhi, July 26, 2007: Ninety-one school children, who came out successful in the Spot-Painting Competition and the Group Folk Dance Competition, received Prizes at a colourful function held in cooperation with Nehru Bal Samiti at the Russian Centre of Science & Culture (RCSC), 24, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi, on July 26, 2007. The competitions, dedicated to the Russian Children's Protection Day Celebrations, took place at the RCSC on May 3, 2007 and May 4, 2007, respectively.

The total Prizes of 91 comprised 10 First Prizes, 25 Second Prizes and 56 Third Prizes. The winners were selected out of 600 children in painting from 23 schools from New Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad.. All the 21 schools, from which 200 students took part in the dance competition, won Prizes. The Prizes were distributed by Mr. Roop Chand Artist, Chairman, National Art Centre, Mrs. Maria B. Pavlova, Senior Executive & Programme Coordinator, RCSC., and Smt. Prarthana Sharma, Member, NBS. Some select items of folk dance were also presented by the children on the occasion.

Earlier, Mr. J. P. Agarwal, M. P. (Rajya Sabha), who was the Chief Guest on the occasion, congratulated the prize-winners who demonstrated excellence in painting and dance. He made an emphatic note on the commendable work done by Mr. S. P. Govil, Freedom Fighter, Hon. Secretary and Director, Nehru Bal Samiti, in not only bringing out the skills and talents of young children, but also in the uplift of the weaker section of the society. Describing Mr. Govil as the soul of the NBS, Mr. Agarwal promised all-round cooperation and financial assistance in Mr. Govil's activities and endeavour, devoted to the great services of the benign institution-Nehru Bal Samiti.

Dr. Sergey V. Cherkas, Deputy Director, RCSC, hailed the outstanding services rendered to a noble cause by Nehru Bal Samiti under the distinguished stewardship of Mr. S. P. Govil. He designated NBS to be responsible in the exchange of children's groups both during the celebrations of the Year of Russia in India in 2008 and Year of India in Russia in 2009.

Mr. S. P. Govil, tracing the salient features of Nehru Bal Samiti, stated that it provided a broad and comprehensive forum for young children aimed at exploring and exploiting their hidden skill and talent. Another significant aspect regarding the competition is that almost ten per cent of the participants are given prizes in order to keep their morale high. This will go a long way in encouraging children and helping them in their physical, mental and intellectual development, Mr. Govil added. He noted that NBS would organize a Nehru Bal Mela in November (14-21) this year, which, he hopes to make spectacular. In this context, he said that the first Mela was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1963.