Mangaluru (The Hindu): Inculcate the feeling of oneness among children, says film actor Khushboo.The four-day International Children’s Film Festival had a colourful start on Sunday with children being treated with a host of cultural programmes followed by the formal inauguration.

In all, 24 theatres in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district will screen various films between November 23 and November 26 between 9.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. and between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The festival was inaugurated by in-charge Ministers of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi B. Ramanath Rai and Vinay Kumar Sorake, respectively, in the presence of a host of dignitaries, including Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes, Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy chairman S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Sa. Ra. Govindu, and actor Khushboo.

The festival is being organised by the district administration in association with Children’s India and the academy.

The district administration has made arrangements to ferry children from schools to designated theatres in association with bus operators in the two districts.

Ms. Khushboo said that when in school, students feel oneness.

“But the same feeling vanishes when they grow up. This is a serious issue which should be looked into by society, which should inculcate culture, discipline, tolerance and secularism among children. She said, “Children will take forward the best qualities; but we need to ask if we are guiding them in the right path.” Ms. Khushboo said a lot of intolerance is looming large over society now while no one appears to have patience, understanding and heart to understand the pain of others. Children have clear hearts and one should ensure that they remain pure as they are. Ms. Khushboo said, “We need to teach our children to treat each and everyone equally.”

Photo credit: The Hindu