It was a dream ride for any kid – dressed as Chacha Nehru and leading hundreds of children along the main road in the city on an open jeep. That was what Sandra Martin of St. Teresa's School experienced on Monday.
She, who was elected as this year's Chachaji, and P.I. Sheikh Pareed, District Collector, offered floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi before the ride, which was from Rajendra Maidan to Children's Park. The Collector flagged off the rally, organised jointly by the District Child Welfare Committee and the District Administration.
An open jeep with Chachaji led the procession, followed by band teams and children dressed up as butterflies, flowers and birds in colourful plumes – making the Park Avenue look like a garden in motion. The rally moved along Durbar Hall Road, District Collector's Camp Office road and Hospital Road before ending at the Children's Park.
Along with the children dressed up in colourful costumes, this year's rally was marked by the presence of those who came in attires of traditional art forms like kolkali and in those resembling the rural folk.
Chachaji Sandra Martin presided over the meeting that was held at the end of the rally at the Children's Park. Mr. Pareed inaugurated the meeting. Prizes for those who won in different competitions held by the District Child Welfare Committee were also presented at the meeting. Kumaraswami, general manager, BPCL; K.J. Tommy, Additional Development Commissioner and students Teesha Selin, Arsha Sebastian and Godson spoke.
Hibi Eden, MLA, inaugurated the renovated theatre for children and this was followed by the screening of the film T.D. Dasan, Standard VI B .
