OCTOBER 2, 2019 marks the 150th birthday of the ‘father of the nation’, Mahatma Gandhi. It is also 45th anniversary of ICDS since it was launched on the day in 1975.

The All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers (AIFAWH) has launched an yearlong campaign from October 2, 2019 against communal hatred, mob violence and caste and gender discrimination with a slogan- “For real development and freedom; against hate and discrimination; for Harmony and Equality.”

In various parts of the country, meetings were organised in anganwadi centres and nearby public places on October 2nd, in which children, teenagers, mothers and other sections of the society participated and took the following pledge;  “We the people of India, today, on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the ICDS and the 150th birth anniversary of ‘the father of the nation’ pledge that we will fight to uphold the promise we have made to ourselves while adopting the Constitution of India. We will fight against hate and discrimination; strive for real development and freedom; and establish harmony and equality.”

As per the decision, programmes are being organised throughout the country in anganwadi centres with cultural programmes, competitions, events etc., involving the children, other beneficiaries and the villagers. Village elderly and literary personalities, intellectuals and mass leaders are being invited to the anganwadi centre.  Songs, plays on secular and egalitarian values were performed. This will continue till November 14, 2019 (Children’s Day). Programmes were conducted in Punjab, UP, Haryana and AP on October 1.

The best observance from each state will be given prizes at the national conference of AIFAWH to be held from November 17-20, 2019. The conference will chalk out the activities for the campaign to build a nation on the strong base of trust, love and equality as per the values enshrined in our constitution.