Bhubaneswar: A city-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), Ashayen, inaugurated its 
l at Ekamra Haat here Thursday.
The organisers said that the fest was a platform where they could educate the citizens about the abandoned children and create awareness about it.
The NGO has played a constructive role in giving a new lease of life to children who were found abandoned at railway station, bus station or any other such place.
Till now, the organisation claimed to have helped 160 such children.
It may be mentioned here that the fest began with screening of the movie, made by Ashayen, called ‘Bhikya Nuhe Shikhya’.
The movie deals with child beggars and advocates for the eradication of the social evil which plagues the lives of the children.
The makers of the movie said that in future the movie will be screened at various bus and railway stations to create awareness among the people and the passengers in particular. The aim is if any passenger or passerby notices a kid who seems like s/he has been abandoned then they should inform the authorities at once.
A helpline number— 8144937011— was also released so that the general public could contact Ashayen if they come across any child beggar or orphaned children in the city and around.
To encourage the inmates of their hostels, Ashayen displayed many handicrafts and décor material made by them. The art works were made from waste products. The art expo was organised by Chinmayee Khatua, a member of Ashayen.
Many eminent guests like Bhubaneswar deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Anup Sahu, Bhubaneswar Railway Station Director Chittaranjan Nayak, social activists Jayshree Mohapatra, Prahalad Sinha and all members of Ashayen were present at the occasion.
A spectacular dance and musical performance was also performed by the NGO inmates. At the end of the programme Ratnakar Sahoo of Ashayen proposed the vote of thanks.
