Children affected with riots, terrorism pin flags to President,PM

New Delhi, Nov 24 (UNI) Children affected by communal violence and terrorism today pinned flags on President A P J Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister Shivraj Patil to mark the National Foundation for Communal Harmony ''Flag Day'' today.

The foundation had helped these children cope with their personal tragedies and move forward in life. These children are from the districts of North Cachar Hills and Tinsukia in Asom, Surat in Gujarat, Anantnag and Doda in Jammu and Kashmir.

A few children assisted by the foundation and are now well settled, were also invited to share their experiences and success with the children and dignitaries on this occasion.

The Foundation extends financial assistance ranging from Rs 750 to Rs 800 per month to each assisted child up to the age of 18 years, which may be extended upto the age of 21 years in exceptional cases.

So far approximately 8910 children have been assisted and a sum of Rs 15.36 crore has been disbursed to them.

The Foundation observes 'Communal Harmony Campaign and Fund Raising Week' every year from November 19 to 25. The week culminates in the observance of the ''Flag Day.'' The NFCH was set up as an autonomous organisation in 1992 under the Ministry of Home Affairs for promotion of communal harmony, national integration and fraternity. The main objective was to provide assistance for the physical and psychological rehabilitation of the child victims of communal, caste, ethnic or terrorist violence. They were provided care, education and training besides promoting communal harmony, fraternity and strengthening national integration.

The Foundation through its programmes --'Reach', 'Milan', 'Samanvaya' and 'Cooperation'-- is promoting communal harmony and strengthening national integration. The objective of the project 'Reach' is to create awareness about communal harmony and national integration by organizing debates, seminars, workshops, cultural programmes.

The Foundation also gives assistance to the state governments/union territory administrations for organizing inter-community 'Milans' on important festivals like Id, Deepawali, Christmas and Gurparab through NGOs.

NFCH is also associated with important inter-community festivals like ''Phool-walon-ki-sair'' in Delhi, ''Nauchandi Mela'' in Meerut and ''Deva Sharif Mela'' in Barabanki with a view to promoting better understanding, communal harmony and national integration.

UNI AJ Mir RK1950