Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: UNICEF Odisha in collaboration with Aaina, an Odisha-based voluntary organization launched Season 6 of Kallola, a Celebration of Children’s Creativity, here today on the theme of Children & COVID-19.

The launch was attended by Sushmita Bagchi, Chiarperson,Mo School Abhiyan Parichalana Sangathan,Rega Geetarani Patnaik,Joint Secretary, Department of WCD, Dr. Monika O. Nielsen, Chief, UNICEF Odisha,Radhika Srivastava, Communication, Advocacy and Partnership Specialist, UNICEF Odisha.

Kallola 2020 will focus on creativity of children and will organize a series of script writing workshops for children which will be converted into short films (30, 60 and 90 seconds)  and radio spots/ radio jingles on the theme Children & COVID-19.

Speaking at the function, Sushmita Bagchi said that, “in today’s world of globalization, it is not enough for a student to concentrate on just formal education. He or she has to be aware of what is happening all around and should be knowledgeable about things beyond academics. I am so happy that Aaina is going ahead with the Kallola festival like previous years despite the pandemic. We, at Mo School, are delighted to be part of this endeavor. I wish the trainers and participants all the very best.”

Speaking at the function, Dr Monika O. Nielsen, Chief,UNICEF Odisha said, “UNICEF believes in keeping children front and center for initiatives that aim to reach out to them. We believe through Kallola 2020 and the series of script writing workshops for children we will involve them every step of the process. They will interact, learn and create. We are happy to partner with the Women and Child Development of the Government of Odisha, Mo School,Odisha State Child Protection Society and the Sambad Group. We are also glad to partner with Aaina for the 6th version of Kallola which has been designed to overcome the barriers set by the pandemic.”