Bhubaneswar, Nov 20: It was an evening that most Indians would like to forget, as unbeatable Team India lost badly to Australians in the ODI World Cup Final in Ahmedabad.
But unfazed by what happened in the cricketing world, children in different attires and roles mesmerised the audience in a fancy dress show in the Odisha capital on Sunday evening.
The penultimate evening of the 34th Children's Festival hosted by People's Cultural Centre (PECUC), here had a different atmosphere, with children stealing the show with their magical performances.
They did impress with their attire, lively performance and presence of mind. Beyond their charming displays, the young participants also delivered powerful social messages.
They advocated environmental protection, highlighting the harmful effects of plastic and polythene. They promoted the importance of a clean, sustainable environment.
They also conveyed a few other social messages, appealing the audience either to wake up and amend ways or be prepared to face dire consequences.
Since November 19 is also observed as the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse, so they conveyed awareness messages through their superb presentations.
The guests of the evening were Pradeep Kumar Biswal (Retired IAS) Odia Cine Artist Samarpita Das and artist Debarchan Mishra, the organisers informed.
The winners of the Modern Dance and Odishi Dance Competitions were also presented awards by the guests. The seven-day children's festival was sponsored by the State Odia Literature, Language and Culture Department and Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar, Unique.
