India CSR News Network

MUMBAI : It may have been a normal day, but not for the over 200 Mumbai kids from various slums. As Khel Khel Mein an initiative for underprivileged children by Wockhardt Foundation, celebrated their annual day in Mumbai. Children got a chance to meet their cricket idol, Zaheer Khan, along with the famous singer Ms. Sanjeevani Bhelande. The other Chief Guests at the event included Dr. Rahul Joshi (homeopath) and Rushabh Turakhia (Founder – You rturn now).

As part of the celebrations, about 200 underprivileged children in the age group of 6 to 12 years from all the 17 Khel Khel Mein centers in Mumbai put up various performances including dance shows, skits, singing, musical dramas, etc. The event thus motivated and acknowledged talents of the underprivileged children. Zaheer Khan, the Indian pace bowler, was captured enjoying happy moments with these kids. He was seen interacting with the young cricket fans and sharing some valuable tips with cricket enthusiasts. His step or two with the kids brought out the entertainer in him. Cricket balls autographed by Zaheer offered encouragement and support to his devoted fans!

Sharing his experience, Zaheer Khan commented “I am extremely thrilled to be a part of this joyous celebration of Khel Khel Mein. It is so satisfying to see the smiles and the joy that the program brings in the lives of these underprivileged children from Mumbai slums. I congratulate the entire team of Khel Khel Mein for this spectacular work and for bringing such happiness in children’s’ lives”

Khel Khel Mein – an initiative by Wockhardt Foundation is run under the aegis of Mrs Samina Khorakiwala, CEO – Khel Khel Mein. These centres are essentially toy libraries where underprivileged children engage in edu-recreational play within a semi-structured programme based on sound values.

Mrs. Samina Khorakiwala said “Khel Khel Mein aims for a child’s physical, psychological and social well-being through fun and learning. It feels proud to see these children imbibe and spread the seven peace human values through fun and play –Gratitude, Forgiveness, Love, Humility, Giving, Patience and Truth. We had a rewarding year at all the 17 centers of Khel Khel Mein in Mumbai, and we continued our support for the overall development of underprivileged children aged 6-12 years”

At the event, Wockhardt Foundation recognizes and awarded (outstanding teachers, creative teachers, proactive teachers) for their noble contribution towards development of underprivileged children through the year. The football trainer and the choreographer were also felicitated by the Chief Guests.

Khel Khel Mein operates 27 Edu Recreational Centre and toy library for the underprivileged children in slums of Mumbai (17 toy libraries), Delhi NCR (8 toy libraries) and Aurangabad (2 toy libraries)