National conference showcases Temple based edu prog

The sixth-phase National Conference of the Temple-Based Children and Mass Education Programme was held at the National Museum auditorium in the capital on Monday, with speakers highlighting the initiative’s contribution to nurturing moral values, social harmony and responsible citizenship among children.

Organised under the slogan, “Let us nurture humanity, build the nation through moral education,” the programme is being implemented by the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Religious Affairs Secretary Alauddin Al Azad presided over the conference, while Prime Minister’s Special Assistant (Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Ethnic Minority Affairs) Bijon Kanti Sarkar attended the event as the chief guest.

Vice-Chairman of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Tapan Chandra Majumdar was present as the special guest. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Md Shahadat Hossain, Secretary of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Devendra Nath Oraon and senior officials of the ministry and the trust also attended the programme.

The conference formally began with the chief guest, Bijon Kanti Sarkar, and other guests releasing balloons and doves, symbols of peace, in front of the National Museum.

The main session followed with recitations from religious scriptures and cultural performances. Guests and trustees of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust were welcomed with flowers and ceremonial scarves.

A documentary highlighting the achievements and activities of the Temple-Based Children and Mass Education Programme was screened during the event. Project Director Nitya Prakash Biswas delivered the welcome address.

Speakers said the programme is helping instil ethical and humanitarian values among children while fostering social harmony, tolerance and secular ideals.

They expressed optimism that the project, which is being implemented in all 64 districts of the country, would play an even greater role in developing future generations into responsible and conscientious citizens.