Melina Kuruvalli, Thirthahalli, July 27, 2019: The Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority, Shimoga, Taluk Legal Services Committee, Thirthahalli, Department of Prosecutors, Thirthahalli, Lawyers' Association, Thirthahalli, Women and Child Welfare Committee, Thirthahalli and Streebandhu federation, melina Kuruvalli organized Legal Awareness programme at Kallukutigara Samudaya Bhavana, Melina Kuruvalli, Thirthahalli on 27 July 2019. The programme began at 11.00 am. Mrs Geethanjali G., Senior Civil Judge and JMFC, Thirthahalli and President of District Legal Services Committee, Thirthahalli inaugurated the programme. In her inaugural address she spoke about child rights and women's rights. She also advised the participants to make use of the services of free legal aid cell so that no one is deprived of legal help. She also spoke about good touch and bad touch and asked the participants to pass on this necessary information to their children so that the children are not abused.
Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto, the Director of SMSSS noted that realizing the need SMSSS has organized legal awareness programmes in different places. The main purpose is to create awareness about various Acts concerning the safety of children and women.
Mr Binu D., Assistant Government prosecutor highlighted the importance of women and children being aware of certain important Acts such as POCSO Act, Domestic Violence Act, Juvenile Justice Act, etc and what to do when a child or woman is abused. Mrs Lakshmi Nayak, Senior Supervisor, Women and Child Welfare Committee, Thirthahalli spoke about the support given to women from Women and Child Welfare Committee. She also informed the participants that this Committee also provides necessary free legal support to the victims of abuse or violence.
Mrs G. R. Swapna, Advocate, the resource person of the day spoke elaborately on Child Rights, Juvenile Justice Act 2015 and POCSO Act 2012. She requested the participants not to hide any crime or abuse on children but immediately report the matter to the concerned authorities. Mr Venkatesha K.N., I Additional Civil Judge & JMFC., Thirthahalli, Mr Ravi C. the President of Melina Kuruvalli Gram Panchayat and Mrs Geetha Raghavendra the Vice President were present for the programme. Mrs Rita L, the President of the Streebandhu Federation, Melina Kuruvalli presided over the programme. Mr Madhusudhan, the Coordinator for the area welcomed the dignitaries and the participants. Mr H. S. Puttuswamy thanked everyone. and Mrs Meena D'Mello, the animator for the area toiled hard for the success of the programme. Including a few school children there were 220 participants for the programme.
