St. John's, Chandigarh

Students of St. John's, along with a group of under privileged children, launched a signature campaign on Friday seeking to harness the voices of five lakh children across India.


This `Nine is Mine' campaign attempts to develop a sense of governance accountability and active citizenry among young people. Other activities of the programme include a survey of schools under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and anganwadis across the country by the students.

The event commenced with the arrival of the chief guest, city Mayor Anu Chatrath. A special assembly began with the Johnian tradition of invoking blessings of the Almighty, followed by a dance performance and speech highlighting the life of Gandhi. This was followed by a pledge by school captain Vardaan Arora to embark on the path of non-violence.

Class X students of the school, along with under-privileged children, created a human formation in shape of the number 9.

The signature campaign that aims at petitioning the Prime Minister, will culminate on January 30, 2011. A target of seeking five lakh signatures of children from across India has been set. The focus of this exercise is to demand `9 per cent of GDP contribution to ensure that every child in India has a future'. The government had promised 9 per cent of the GDP to be given to the education sector, however, only 6 per cent was sanctioned. Students will cycle from Chandigarh to Delhi in mid-November, carrying with them message to be delivered to the parliamentarians.

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