Gurgaon deputy commissioner Hardeep Singh flags off the bus from Vikas Sadan
The Gurgaon district administration organised a day trip to Surajkund Mela for 200 children of various child care institutes (CCIs) on February 7.
The initiative was taken up at the behest of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who asked the Department of Women and Child Development to organise the trip.
Gurgaon deputy commissioner Hardeep Singh flagged off the bus from Vikas Sadan.
This was a first-of-a-kind experience for the children. Ritu Rani, district child protection officer, said, “The children had heard about Surajkund Mela but had never gone there. Finally, they got a chance. It was great to see their faces light up. They were super excited throughout the trip.”
Rahul Kumar, one of the kids, recounted excitedly, “This is the first time we all went out together on a trip — and made so many new friends. We even exchanged our landline numbers, and promised to remain friends.”
Another kid, Sakshi, added, “I had seen such trips only in movies. While in the bus, it felt like we were part of a film shooting!”
Ten-year-old Ankur said rather maturely, “We got to see the art and culture of Haryana. We often hear about these things in schools.”
Speaking on arrangements, Sunita Sharma, programme officer of Department of Women and Child Development, said, "It was a little difficult to organise initially, but the DC ensured everything went smoothly. Officials of the district child protection unit and CCI staff accompanied the kids. Overall, it was a good outing for the children.”
