Bal Ashram children in the international film festival,14 November 2009 Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh – 10 Rescued bonded child labourers who are currently under going rehabilitation at Bal Ashram, Virat Nagar , would participated in 16th International Children’s Film Festival which was held in Hyderabad from November 14, 2009 .Creativity and personality development among children is the supreme importance of Children's Film Society of India. In their relentless effort to foster the same, the Society is organizing a film fest in the city from the 14th of November. Awards for the best will be given away to films screened at the fest in 8 categories. In the past, films that were recognized at forums and events of international importance gained good market when they were released into the market. Speaking on this joyful occasion, founder of the movement and recipient of recent Defender of Democracy award, Mr. Kailash satyarthi said, “It’s a matter of great pride and happiness for BBA family that Master Manan Ansari, a rescued child labourer from Bal Ashram has been selected as one of the jury members in the Children’s film festival. This is for the first time that any child has been included in the team that decides on the best cinematic works from an international platform.” The 14 year old Manan is jubilant with honor, rising from an obscure village in Jharkhand’s poverty Stricken Koderma, has also addressed the gathering at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, 2009. Manan recalled that, “Working in the mica mines was a tough work and inspite of that, the residents of my village cling to it tenaciously because that was their source of livelihood. I was fortunate enough to get rescued and reach to Bal Ashram and to get a new life. I am a different person today and I owe all my success to Bal Ashram”. Nandita Das, Chairperson, Children Film Society of India, who has been associated with BBA for many years now said, “I have worked with BBA on many occasions before and have been in constant touch with the children of Bal Ashram. I congratulateall the Bal Ashram children and Bachpan Bachao Andolan on this outstanding achievement”. The festival, which was jointly organised by the Andhra Pradesh Government and Children’s Film Society of India (CSFI), would be inaugurated by Chief Minister K Rosaiah at Lalita Kala Thoranam. Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ambika Soni was chief guest and other noted filmmakers, writers, poets, lyricist Gulzar were presented on the occasion among other prominent personalities. The movies would be screened at eight venues including Imax theatre in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

From car cleaners to class toppers

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/From-car-cleaners-to-class-toppers-/articleshow/5253173.cms