Kathua, March 13: Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sheetal Nanda on Monday inaugurated the remodeled building of PALAASH ‘Children Home’ for boys here. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Director General, SWD, Vivek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua Rahul Pandey, Mission Director, Vatsalya/ Shakti, Harvinder Kour, DC State Taxes Ranjeet Singh, PO ICDS and other concerned officials.
While dedicating the revamped building of Bal Ashram which has been renamed PALAASH, the Commissioner Secretary said the idea of remodelling these assets is to reflect the idea of new beginnings and growth, which is what Palaash stands for.
“Palaash is a place where children from vulnerable sections of society can come and receive care, education and protection. It is a space where they can find hope and build a brighter future for themselves. The renaming of Bal Ashram as Palaash is a symbolic step towards this goal,” she said.
Palaash has been designed to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for children who are orphaned, abandoned, or come from troubled backgrounds. The ashram has a team of trained professionals who provide counseling, education and healthcare services to the children. Palaash also offers vocational training, recreational activities, and skill-building programs to prepare children for a better future.
“The inauguration of Palaash marks a new beginning for the children who will call it home. The ashram is committed to ensuring that every child who comes here receives the best possible care and support to achieve their full potential,” she said.
While throwing light on the upcoming initiative of the Social Welfare Department, the Commissioner Secretary said every district across the UT of JK shall have dedicated Care Centres for Boys and Girls separately. She appreciated the efforts of the district administration and the District Social Welfare Office for accomplishing the task of remodelling the Bal Ashram within a set timeline. She called for utilizing the facilities of care centres for better upkeep of vulnerable children besides supervising the needs of deserving children.
The Commissioner Secretary exhorted the team of Social Welfare Office Kathua to form committees of inmates so as to infuse among them a sense of ownership, belongingness and responsibility.
