Diwali Celebration at Madhur Mayee Adarsha Sikshya Niketan
Children of Prisoners Celebrate with Joy
In Bhubaneswar, Odisha, children of prisoners celebrated Diwali with fireworks and dancing at the Madhur Mayee Adarsha Sikshya Niketan hostel. This hostel was established in 2003 to support children from various jails across the state and is managed by the Odisha Patita Udhar Samiti (OPUS), a local NGO.
Festive Joy and Togetherness
Stephen, a child residing at the hostel, expressed his happiness, saying, “I am quite happy today after celebrating Diwali with my brothers and sisters here at Madhur Mayee Adarsha Sikshya Niketan. I have been staying here for the past six years and celebrate all festivals with traditional rituals. Today, we all lit earthen diyas, set off fireworks, and danced to celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm.”
Support and Care by OPUS
Matrumayee, Secretary of OPUS, shared, “Madhur Mayee Adarsha Sikshya Niketan has been run by the Odisha Patita Udhar Samiti since 2003. Today, we organised all the arrangements for the Diwali celebration. The boys and girls danced, set off fireworks, had lots of fun, and celebrated Diwali together. We currently care for around 47 children of prisoners, providing them with all basic facilities. They do not dwell on memories of their parents and live happily among the other children.”
Doubts Revealed
Diwali -: Diwali is a popular Indian festival, also known as the Festival of Lights. People celebrate it by lighting lamps, bursting fireworks, and sharing sweets.
Madhur Mayee Adarsha Sikshya Niketan -: Madhur Mayee Adarsha Sikshya Niketan is a special school or hostel in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It helps children whose parents are in jail by providing them with education and a place to stay.
Children of prisoners -: These are children whose parents are in jail. They often face challenges because their parents are not around to take care of them.
Odisha Patita Udhar Samiti (OPUS) -: OPUS is an organization in Odisha that helps people in need, like children of prisoners. They manage the hostel where these children live and study.
Bhubaneswar -: Bhubaneswar is the capital city of the Indian state of Odisha. It is known for its ancient temples and rich culture.
Stephen -: Stephen is one of the children living at the hostel. He was happy to celebrate Diwali with his friends there.
Matrumayee -: Matrumayee is the Secretary of OPUS. She helps take care of the children at the hostel and ensures they have a good life.
Diyas -: Diyas are small oil lamps made of clay, used during Diwali to light up homes and symbolize the victory of light over darkness.