Show of strength

It was a special day for 600 children from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, who took part in the summer camp conducted by EDUSCAN. The two-month camp culminated in a colourful evening recently at the Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi, in the presence of parents, guests and dignitaries.

Dr Alka Kalra outlined the various activities of EDUSCAN during her speech welcoming chief guest Dr Abdullah Dawood, Minister of Plenipotentiary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE, and other guests.

The evening took off with a recitation from the Holy Quran followed by dances choreographed to popular Arabic, western, Punjabi, folk and Hindi numbers, aerobic dances, yoga asanas and mudras to control stress and breathing, and karate demonstrations by junior and senior groups of children. All 600 children in the age group of below five to 15 years and EDUSCAN ex-students took part in the show.

Navin Kalra, director, EDUSCAN, stressed the importance of inculcating a positive attitude, emotional literacy, self-confidence, self-esteem and the value of time among children. Bouquets were presented to the guests by the EDUSCAN staff.

The chief guest and the guests of honour presented certificates to different groups of children. Dr Dawood emphasised the need for a good education. He stressed on progress without losing one's identity and traditional values such as religion and customs. Dr Dawood urged the need for mutual trust and respect among people of various nationalities forming the cosmopolitan populace of the Emirates, and sought the guidance of the leaders of the country.