Kathmandu

Maiti Nepal stepped into its 25th year on April 6 on their mission to prevent human trafficking. On the occasion, they celebrated the silver jubilee at the auditorium of Army Officer’s Club, Sundhara as they hosted a cultural and felicitation programme with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and others in attendance. The event had the children of Maiti Nepal danced in elan onstage to various national songs and performed songs as the audience enjoyed the entertainment.

The children welcomed the audience with an orchestral performances — playing musical instruments like violin, maadal, guitar, flute and keyboard, they orchestrated the melodies of Baajho Khetma, Jham Jham Istakot as well as the classic song Yeh Kanchha. The audience was amazed at the talent of the children and their performances which was evident through the applause and cheers.

The children also danced to national songs Hatne Hoina, Nepali Nepal Ko Maya Chha Ki Chhaina among others that evoked emotions in the audience as the dances performed reflected the tradition and culture of the people living in different regions in the country. Their colourful dresses with prints of rhododendron on the back of their bhotos, blue trousers and red bhotos with the prints of sun and moon were able to reflect nationality.

After watching the performances, PM Dahal shared that he was “very much impressed by the performances”. He also expressed a few good words for Maiti Nepal and their work on their 25th anniversary.

“Maiti Nepal has been an exemplary organisation. The issues of human trafficking are important and are complicated — the work done by Maiti Nepal proves that a non-governmental organisation can work efficiently if one dedicates him/herself and puts efforts into it,” PM Dahal added while vouching his visit to the centre and help from the government level.

People and organisations who have helped Maiti Nepal reach where they are now were felicitated during the ceremony. Employees who have served the organisation for more than 20 years were also feted.

Founder of Maiti Nepal Anuradha Koirala simply expressed her gratitude to everyone who had made 25 years possible. And Executive Director of Maiti Nepal Bishwo Ram Khadka called for willingness and commitment from the government in their mission to stop human trafficking.

“Maiti Nepal has rescued more than 36,000 women and children from where they were sold to, while our rehabilitation services have been rendered to 25,320 women and children. Meanwhile 1,400 women and children have been provided with formal education,” Khadka shared about their untiring efforts adding, “Efforts of government and non-governmental organisations are not sufficient, political willingness and commitment is equally important to end human trafficking.”

A documentary highlighting Maiti Nepal’s journey and its efforts to address issues related to children and women was also screened during the celebration.