Siliguri, 14th November: On the occasion of Children’s Day, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) organised a special toy train ride for autistic and visually impaired children. A festive atmosphere prevailed at Siliguri Junction from the morning, with the platform decorated with colourful balloons. ACT convenor Raj Basu, DHR director Rishabh Choudhury and other dignitaries joined the children for the special ride, which operated from Siliguri Junction to Rongtong.
A series of programmes is being held from 13th to 15th November to mark Children’s Day, including a station festival at Sukna station on 15th November. As part of the centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Darjeeling, the Rongtong-Sukna phase of the centenary march will also be organised, along with a toy train ride for children of Rongtong.
DHR director Rishabh Choudhury said the organisation is proud to host the ride for specially-abled children, adding that their smiles are the biggest reward. Unique Foundation founder Shakti Pal said many of the children had never travelled on a toy train before, and their joy was their greatest achievement.