Kolkata : Several iconic landmarks in Kolkata, including the Bidhan Sabha Bhavan (West Bengal Legislative Assembly) and the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry building, were bathed in blue light to mark World Children’s Day and reaffirm the city’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and aspirations.
Joining the initiative, the Kolkata Press Club and the UNICEF office in the city also lit up in blue, symbolising solidarity with children across the world. The symbolic illumination forms part of UNICEF’s global campaign to highlight the importance of nurturing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for every child.
Through the lighting initiative and various children-led activities, UNICEF aims to inspire adults to reconnect with their own childhood experiences and renew their pledge to uphold children’s rights.
This year, World Children’s Day is being observed in India with the themes “My Day. My Rights”, focusing on the rights children seek for themselves, and “The Child in Me. My Promise to Children”, encouraging adults to reflect on their childhood journeys and reaffirm their promise to support the next generation. UNICEF noted that the campaign urges society to revisit its responsibility towards shaping a better, brighter future for children.
“The illumination is going to create curiosity and build awareness among people about the importance of creating a world of peace, opportunity, equality, safety, dignity and inclusiveness for every child,” said Dr Monjur Hossain, Chief of UNICEF in West Bengal.
“It will likely send a strong message urging everyone to uphold the rights of children and help them realise their full potential,” he added.
To mark the occasion, UNICEF West Bengal also convened a meeting with various civil society organisations to strengthen collective efforts toward promoting children’s rights and securing their future. The forum aims to foster learning from best practices, encourage knowledge sharing, and enhance skills among partners working in the child rights sector.
