Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: With an aim to highlight the issue of human trafficking that is on the rise in the state, Mukti Kiran in association with MOG Foundation recently organised a debate on the topic: Who is Responsible For Tackling the issue of Human Trafficking in Goa? The Police alone or the Police along with Civil Society?
The debate held at Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, saw the participation of 24 Higher Secondary Schools in North Goa. A Poster Competition on the issue of Anti Trafficking was held for the students.
The Chief Guest for the occasion was Suchita Desai, SP of Training of Goa Police.
PI Rahul Parab of the Siolim Police station, PI Reema Naik of the Women’s Police station at Panjim and six other police officers, also attended the event.
In her speech, Desai challenged the young students in many ways, especially in the constant use of social media which is interfering with their studies and has led to a lot of unfortunate incidents in their lives.
Parab spoke of his excellent work in apprehending not only not only the smaller fry involved in Trafficking, but also a few of the top men who head big traffic rings spread across many states.
Judge of the Children’s Court, Sayonara Tellis Laad, who was also present, spoke about Children’s Rights and the workings of the Children’s Courts.
The Debate comprised a qualifying round of 25 Multiple Choice Questions to determine the four Teams that would debate on the topic.
The four Teams later had to study two reports on Human Trafficking, the first done by ARZ, Anyay Rahit Zindagi, an NGO in South Goa involved in this issue for the past 25 years, and the second by TISS, Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
Apart from these reports, the teams also did their own personal study and research from the internet.
Mushtifund Higher Secondary School, Cujira and Dempo Higher Secondary School of Science, Miramar, won the first and second prizes respectively. The third prize went to St. Francis Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Siolim.
All the participants received Certificates of Participation.
The Poster Competition held at the same time, was a delight of artistic creations by 24 budding young artists.
The final vote was cast in favour of Diago Vaz Higher Secondary School, Colvale getting the first place and St. Michael’s Higher Secondary School, Taleigao, getting the second place. A young artist from the Sanjay School for Special Children got a special Achievement Reward for his work of art.
Our hope is that civil society, especially the younger generation, will become more proactive and engaged in this issue before it goes beyond the limits of decency and the destruction of Human Rights and dignity in Goa, said director of MOG Foundation Roshan Mathias.
