GUWAHATI, April 3 � �The marginalised segments are our assets and not liabilities. It is our responsibility to harness these human resources for betterment of the society,� said Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at the first foundation day of Universal Team for Social Action and Help (UTSAH), a charitable non-government organisation, at a function held at Pragjyotika ITA Centre for Performing Arts at Machkhowa here, an official release stated.
Appreciating the laudable work of UTSAH for the marginalised and disadvantaged segments of society, especially the children of slum areas through an array of Comprehensive Community Development Programmes, Chief Minister Gogoi said, �It�s really commendable to see young energetic people with fresh ideas and thinking coming forward to help the underprivileged sections of the society through philanthropic activities. If our youth are imbued with the spirit of service to serve the poor and needy which is like serving God, then there could be no better way than this. This really augurs well for the society and the State at large.�
Exhorting upon other NGOs to follow in the footsteps of UTSAH, Gogoi said, �It�s our social responsibility to reach out to the poor and needy people and help them in whatever way we can to empower and uplift them socially, educationally and economically so that they, too, can enjoy their rights as we do.�
Dwelling at length on the slew of schemes initiated by the Government for the poor, Gogoi said, �Our aim is to serve the poor and needy. We want to wipe out the tears from the eyes of the poor. To make this happen, we want the involvement of each and every member of the society, especially the NGOs.�
Gogoi further said that the Government has focussed its attention on reducing the infant and maternal mortality rates, which are above the national average. In recognition of the services rendered by UTSAH especially for the children living in slum area of Hafiznagar here, Chief Minister announced Rs 50 lakh as assistance from the Government.
The Chief Minister handed over scholarships funded by Ruby and Poly Barua Foundation to ten meritorious students of Swahid Khargeswar Talukdar High School of Baksa district. The Chief Minister also released UTSAH�s year book on the occasion.
Minister for Panchayat and Rural Development, Rokibul Hussain and Minister for Education, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister�s wife, Dolly Gogoi, founder of UTSAH, Miguel Queah and vice chairperson, Pallavi Barua were also present on the occasion.
A film by Prerena Barbarooah Sharma on the slum children of Hafiznagar was also screened on the occasion. A satriya dance was presented by noted danseuse Indira PP Bora, piano recital by Ronojit Chaliha, Kathak performance by Vijay Srivastav and group, a group song coordinated by NiseMeruno while children of UTSAH online slum school presented songs.
