Hyderabad|India|January'2009: As rare gesture, city based organisaiton Media Junction along with Hyderabad Council of Human Welfare (HCHW) welcomed the New Year 2009 by cutting the cake with about 180 street children, beggars, orphans, rag pickers and celebrated the dawn of the new year 2009 with sweets at Hyderabad Council of Human Welfare (HCHW) - Residential Care Centre for Children here at Alkapur Road near Qutub Shahi Tombs in city today. Staff of Media Junction, city based one and only training centre for Public Speaking led by its director Mrs. D. Kalpana along with family, friends, social and business acquaintances and their children and staff of HCHW Mrs. Ramadevi, Coordinator, Mrs. Santoshi, Mallesh, Shankar, Shivaraju, Ramprasad etc. welcomed the new year by cutting the cake, sharing joy and spreading cheer in the lives of the underprivileged children.

The celebrations brought much relief and joy to the lives of the street children whose lives are filled with constant struggle and hardships. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. D. Kalpana said, "We decided to welcome the New Year away from the mundane parties and the din of loud music in a meaningful way. We wanted to make a little difference in the lives of the underprivileged." This is the first time we celebrated new year with these less privileged children. It give me immense pleasure to see those happy feelings on their faces, informed Dr. Mohd. Rafiuddin, Director of HCHW.

Abdul Kalam, a boy of 7 years old housed in the care centre and who spoke on the occasion said it is his first time to welcome new year by cutting the cake. He also sung few songs and entertained the gathering. Few children danced and enthralled the audience. All most all the children expressed the feeling of gratitude as they experienced first time in their life welcoming of the New Year 2009 by cutting the cake. They thanked everybody who spared their valuable time with them.

Reachout's News Bureau
 January' 2009