I.J. NEWS SERVICE

NEW YORK, NY - “Let’s dream a little dream together” is the title of the booklet published by CRY America. Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar unveiled this fusion of dreams and visions for children at a press conference held at the Taj Lounge here on Nov. 17.

The booklet is an expression of hope and optimism by people from all walks of life to see a just and better world for millions of children who are denied their basic rights to a childhood. 

CRY America’s vision of a just world for children is guided by the collective conviction and action of over 10,000 donors, 500 volunteers and 41 supported Projects. This conviction was further strengthened by individuals who expressed their dream and view of children’s rights through our ‘My Vision for Children Campaign’, a new initiative launched this year by CRY America, a 501c3 non-profit organization working for children’s rights in India and U.S.

Participants submitted their entries to the campaign by uploading them on america.cry.org/myvisionforchildren. The entries ranged from the issue of right to education, to child labor, disability rights, female infanticide and poverty. 

At the conference organized by CRY America, acclaimed actor Shabana Azmi expressed her conviction that “Millions of underprivileged children have their survival threatened on a daily basis due to malnutrition, illiteracy, child labor, preventable diseases, abuse and exploitation. I believe that each one of us can and should make a difference by joining with CRY America to build a world where every child can expect justice, and enjoy a happy and healthy childhood.”

Javed Akthar, a renowned poet, lyricist and scriptwriter from India, shared his vision at the event for children and recited a poem ‘Mumbai Tere Bachche’ (Mumbai, your children), describing the trials and tribulations of street children in Mumbai city in India.

Shefali Sunderlal, President, CRY America believes in the power of the collective action as a catalyst of change. She said, “No matter how difficult or long the journey, if each one of us believes in doing what’s right, then all children will have their right to live, learn, grow, play.”

 “We’re very excited to partner with CRY as the official media sponsor for this powerful community initiative where people share their dream and vision,” said Subroto Bhattacharya, CEO for Zee TV USA. “Together we have set the ball rolling in us envisioning a better world for all children, and aligning our visions for a better tomorrow.”

L. Vijaykrishna, Area Director, NRI Business North America said, “Citibank has been present in India for the last 100 years, and the NRI business in the US has been serving the Indian community for over 25 years. We are very pleased to partner CRY America. CRY has been an integral part of our India citizenship program since the launch of our CRY Citibank co-branded credit card in India a decade ago. We hope that this effort would go a long way to enable people to champion the cause of underprivileged children, especially in India.”

One of the winners in the poem category of the campaign, Nija Nair of New Jersey shared her entry at the press conference. She also expressed, “I was very happy to be informed that I won for the entry I submitted. The poem was an attempt to express my dream and prayer for children to have a happy and deserving childhood and grow up to be the best that they can be. I am happy for the opportunity that CRY America offered me to share my dream,” she said.