Parikrma celebrates 2nd anniversary

Parikrma celebrates 2nd anniversary
The Asian Age

Bangalore, March 30: The staff at Parikrma Humanity Foundation celebrated their second anniversary with prominent Bangaloreans like police commissioner, S. Mariswamy, actress Sumalatha and sportsperson, Ashwini Nachappa, lighting the lamp at Town Hall. Parikrma is a non-profit organisation working for poor children living in slums and those residing on the harsh streets of Bangalore. Town Hall was filled to capacity with 480 children and their parents from 22 slum communities that Parikrma looks after. Besides giving awards to children for excellence in academics, attendance and all round performance, the parents were also awarded for ensuring that their children attended school with close to 100 per cent.

In the year 2004-2005, Parikrma Centres for Learning at Koramangala, Sahakaranagar and Jayanagar, recorded 95 per cent attendance and had less than one per cent drop outs. The annual day was also used as a forum for parents to voice their views on the programme.
For instance, Anjali, a flower seller and the parent of a boy at Parikrma, spoke about the positive changes that have taken place in her child’s behaviour. She said that he had become sharper and loved to go to school.

Similarly, Nirmala, a garment factory worker and a mother, appreciated the way Parikrma gave her and the other parents a dignified treatment. She said that her child was treated with great care at Parikrma, even more than what she could have given.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mariswamy said, “Parikrma has proven that it does not matter even if the children come from the poorest of the poor sections of society, even they can be successful if provided with right inputs. I hope Parikrma is able to touch the lives of many more poor people.”