KDLSA and schools in Kohima and Kiusam town observe Children’s Day with legal awareness and cultural programmes
DIMAPUR — The Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA), as well as schools in Kohima and Kiusam town, observed Children’s Day with legal awareness programmes and cultural celebrations.
As part of the Common Minimum Plan of NALSA, the Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) observed Children’s Day on Saturday with the Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home and Cradle Ridge Children, Kohima, for the promotion of legal awareness and safeguarding the rights of children.
According to an update, the programme was also organised as part of NALSA’s fortnight-long campaign on NALSA’s Dawn – Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation for a Drug-Free India Scheme, 2025.
Panel Lawyer Jendemo L Tsanglo spoke on “Rights of Children and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015", explaining the two categories under the JJ Act, namely Children in Need of Care and Protection and Children in Conflict with Law. He stressed the importance of protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and harmful influences.
Panel Lawyer Mika Aye spoke on “NALSA’s Dawn – Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation for a Drug-Free India Scheme, 2025", highlighting the need to treat persons affected by drug addiction with care and support rather than stigma and outlining the legal consequences of drug-related offences under the NDPS Act.
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Panel Lawyer Kusala highlighted the provisions of the POCSO Act and urged children to remember the child helpline number 1098.
Meanwhile, the first-ever joint Children’s Day programme was organised at St. John School, Kiusam town, in collaboration with Government Middle School (GMS), Kiusam, and coordinated by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Kiphire.
The programme was attended by N S Khaikho, District Child Protection Officer; Bandangwati Sangtam, Legal-cum-Probation Officer; Levi Aomi, Project Coordinator, Child Helpline; and Rev. Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Principal, along with headmasters, teachers, parents, and students of both schools.
Delivering the welcome address, Rev. Fr. Thomas Toretkiu reminded parents, teachers, and society of their responsibility to protect, nurture, and guide children.
N S Khaikho highlighted the four fundamental rights of children: Survival, development, protection, and participation. Bandangwati Sangtam explained Mission Vatsalya and highlighted the legal minimum marriage ages of 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys, warning against child marriage. Levi Aomi conducted an interactive demonstration on ‘good touch and bad touch’, encouraging children to contact Child Helpline 1098.
The celebration featured cultural performances, distribution of gifts to displaced children by the DCPU, Kiphire, prize distribution, and a friendly football match.
Government High School (GHS), Forest Colony, Kohima, celebrated Pre-Children’s Day on Friday, November 13, with Medoviu Suohu, Councillor of Ward 19, Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), attending as the special guest.
The celebration began with a welcome and a Children’s Day message delivered by the headmistress of GHS, Forest Colony, who highlighted the importance of nurturing young minds and fostering curiosity.
The event featured cultural and artistic performances by Neilakuonu Metha, Keneisenuo Shorhie, Noune Whuorie, Lam Grace Fitness and Dance Studio, Ketouseno Whuorie, The Afterschool Project, and GHS faculties.