BANGALORE: Spoorti 2011, Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness’s (CMCA) government school program’s annual launch was organised on Tuesday at National College Grounds, Basavanagudi, from 10.30 am to 1.30 am, with the unfurling of the fourth pillar of democracy — active citizenship.1,800 civic club members from 24 government schools took an oath to be active citizens, to participate in governance and strengthen democracy.Spoorti 2011 is a civic festival and exhibition that not only marks the launch of civic clubs in 24 government member schools but also inspires and motivates 1,800 government school children as they step into a world of active citizenship.This grand event was graced by the presence of K R Niranjan IAS Special Commissioner, project, resource and finance; BBMP, Praveen Sood, ADGP, Traffic and Computer Wing, Government of Karnataka and Dr Yellappa Reddy, Chairman — CMCA.CMCA stalls and games based on the theme of active citizenship — democracy and freedom, engaging with local government and citizens’ rights and responsibilities encouraged young civic club members to be the change they want to see and to cooperate, complain and if required peacefully confront government and others to secure their rights.Through exciting games and interesting facts the children realised the powerful role they play in being the hope for a better tomorrow. Several alternate stalls were also on display like Child Rights Trust, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSB), KREDLE, Forest Department and Bangalore Traffic Police.KR Niranjan was one of the chief guests for the event. He congratulated CMCA’s work and appreciated it’s importance in education. In his address to the children, Praveen Sood appreciated CMCA’s good work over the past 11 years. He stated that the fourth pillar of our democracy — active citizenship is very important.Praveen Sood also stressed on the importance of inculcating civic values in children from a young age.Dr Yellappa Reddy also addressed the gathering, asking children to use their education and opportunities to help society at large. CMCA is an eleven-year-old volunteer driven, civil society organisation that conducts a national ‘civic club’ program in schools across India. This systematic and structured intervention is dedicated to moulding and nurturing active citizenship in children and youth across the country. CMCA seeks to sensitise children and youth to civic and democratic issues thereby improving quality and equality of life. Over the past year CMCA has reached 19,000 children through 284 volunteers in 6 cities, 324 schools and 392 civic clubs.
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