Dinesh Kamath's news 'Heart 2015 – Band competition to promote drug & sexual awareness' that was published in Newsband

Heart 2015 – Band competition to promote drug & sexual awareness

By Dinesh Kamath

Above Picture: Hearing impaired youth performing at the previous musical event BELLS

NAVI MUMBAI: For the first time in the history of Navi Mumbai, The Heart Foundation (Helping to Educate Associate Rehabilitate & Teach) is organizing a War of Bands – Band Competition called Heart 2015 – Beats For All in aid of Prevention of Abuse of Children & Teens (PACT). This time too the program would have different bands and eminent singers from various Cities of Navi Mumbai, Thane, Mumbai, Pune etc, who would through competition spread the message of LOVE, JOY & PEACE through the Universal language of Music on 4th & 5th December 2015, from 10 am onwards at Wonders Park, Nerul, Navi Mumbai and the final would be at 5:00 pm at the same venue.

"Preventing addiction among children and teens is the need of the hour. Music is the most effective way of reaching out to them and drawing their attention to these issues. Children these days are confronted with various addiction, peer pressure, broken homes and pressure to perform. Home surroundings also play a vital role in these areas. Thus we plan to continue such programs and touch the hearts of these tender ones" said Dr. Jayakar Ellis, President, Heart Foundation.

 “As the citizen of Navi Mumbai and now the Mayor, I am glad that such medium like Music is being used to bring about awareness in the children and youth of the city. My best wishes to Dr. Jayakar Ellis and the Heart Foundation as they continue to spread such good messages” said Shri Sudhakar Sonawane, Mayor, Navi Mumbai.

 "We have had reports of drug usage and Tobacco products in schools and colleges. We want to try and prevent it before it as far as possible so we have taken this initiative with Heart Foundation to reach out to the youngsters” said Mohan Dagaonkar, City Engineer, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation.

 Talking to ACP (Crime), Mr. Rajendra Bhamare, he said “Nowadays the youth are using social media to avail drugs and also sexual abuse too is rampant. We are glad that Heart Foundation is doing this musical program through which we can send forth a message “Beware and Be Secure” to the children and youth of the city.”

 “I am so glad to be associated with this program and hope we can touch the youth like me through various musical events in the future” said Keyoor Karadkhedkar, who heads the music division of the foundation – BEATS (Bringing Entertainment and Team Spirit).

 The program is free (Entry to park fee applicable) and for details, please contact +91 8080007777