Prayas celebrates 37 years of empowering children and marginalised communities

Prayas, the renowned national organisation dedicated to child rights, rehabilitation, and social justice, marked its 37th Foundation Day on Friday with a vibrant celebration at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre.

The event brought together leaders from the government, police, civil society, and the arts to honour the organisation’s enduring commitment to marginalised communities.

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The celebration was made even more special by the presence of celebrated actor and humanitarian Randeep Hooda, Prayas’ long-time patron ambassador, who charmed hundreds of children and participants with his warmth and encouragement.

Hooda, an actor known not only for his craft but also for his dedication to children’s causes, spoke warmly about his association with Prayas and praised the young performers for their dedication.

The event also honoured former Police Commissioner Raja Vijay Karan, the first Founder President of Prayas, for his pioneering leadership and crucial role in shaping the organisation’s mission.

Mr Amod Kanth, Founder and Mentor of Prayas, lauded Raja Vijay Karan for his early vision and unwavering support, noting that his guidance laid the foundation for Prayas’ growth into a national movement for children and marginalised communities.

The celebration commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr Kalyan Sachdeva, Vice President of Prayas, who reflected on the organisation’s journey since its inception in 1988.

“Prayas is a full-grown tree today, nurtured from the seeds sown by visionaries such as Raja Vijay Karan and Mr Amod Kanth,” he said.

The gathering also heard from social activist and former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, who congratulated Prayas on 37 years of impactful work.

He encouraged children to pursue their dreams with determination, recognising the organisation’s wide-ranging contributions to education, rehabilitation, skilling, health, and social inclusion.

The event showcased vibrant cultural performances by children associated with Prayas, highlighting themes such as social justice, women’s empowerment, environmental responsibility, and unity in diversity.

These performances were met with enthusiastic applause and stood as a testament to the resilience and talent found within marginalised communities.

Awards were presented to young achievers by dignitaries including Mr Hooda, Mr Khurshid and Mr Amod Kanth, celebrating their extraordinary accomplishments despite challenging circumstances.

With 789 co-workers and a direct outreach to approximately 50,000 individuals daily across 12 states and union territories, Prayas continues to serve the most vulnerable sections of society with dedication and compassion.

The Foundation Day celebration not only honoured the past but also reaffirmed Prayas’ commitment to empowering children and marginalised communities, nurturing dreams, and building a more compassionate society.