Mangalore : The city-based Prajna Counselling Centre celebrated its silver jubilee in Milagres Jubilee Hall on April 17 Tuesday. The event was inaugurated in a unique way, with the dignitaries on the dais lighting 25 lamps held by children, each lamp signifying a successful year completed by the centre.

DC Dr. Channappa Gowda unveiled the Prajna Silver Jubilee Logo. In his inaugural address, he expressed his appreciation of the centre, which creates self-help groups for under privileged children, reforms alcoholics, educates poor children, and trains people to start their own business, and so on. The DC also promised that the district administration will help the centre build a shelter for children.

A number of children spoke about their experiences at Prajna Counselling Centre on this occasion. Fr. Francis Xavier Gomes, the principal of Milagres College, also addressed the gathering.

Nina Nayak of Child Right Chairperson said the condition of children in the country is tragic. About 47 children die every 15 minutes in the country.

Speaking on the child education, she said more than 170 million children do not have a joyful learning. Childrens are not getting the rights which they were entitled for. The government has failed to reach several programmes for the welfare of the children. 

Aubrey D’Souza, the president of the Aubrey D’Souza Charitable Foundation, released a souvenir titled Rajatha Prajna on this occasion.

Ophelia and Janet of Holland were among the dignitaries on the dais.