Chennai

“On January 28 in 1950, India became a Republic with Dr Rajendra Prasad as the first President,” she begins her speech and continues in an articulate manner about the importance of celebrating Republic Day.

Yogi is no student of any posh school, but an inmate at a government-aided children’s shelter home at New Manickam Street in Purasawalkam. Sarla, the caretaker of the home says, “Yogi’s parents do not have a house and are unemployed. So, they have left the child in our care. She is happy with her friends here.” 

On January 26, Yogi and other children at the home celebrated R-Day with a special lunch. The organisers had also organised a meditation session for the 55 girls who live here.  “They face immense stress to study and have behavioural problems. So, we conducted the sessions for them and taught them breathing exercises,” Sarla adds. 

For the 5,381 children living in 71 homes across the city, R-Day celebrations were made possible by the Department of Social Defence. District Child protection officers (DCPO) visited these homes, participated in the flag hoisting ceremony and witnessed cultural events conducted by the children.

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