HAPC Opens Third New Branch
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30th April 1994
HAPC (Madras) the third branch of the Head Quarters HAPC (UK) was officially inaugurated on 24th April 1994 at the White Memorial Hall. HAPC (UK) Trustee and Social Secretary Mr. George Hillier lit the traditional lamp followed by the President Rev. Prince Chellappa and the Secretary Professor Geoffrey Francis, signifying the birth of a new Social Organisation in the city of Madras.
The White memorial Hall was a riot of colour and decorations that had dazzling lights and tastefully festooned flags, coloured balls and paper decorations. There was an enthusiastic audience that was drawn from all walks of life that gave a rapturous welcome to the Trustee and his wife – Mr. & Mrs. Hillier.
The meeting started with a Prayer song by a group of talented boys and girls and thereafter the Chairman of HAPC (Madras) Rev. Prince Chellappa extended a hearty and warm welcome to George and Phyllis Hillier. The Chief Guest was garlanded and a beautiful bouquet of flowers was presented to Mrs. Hillier on behalf of HAPC (Madras). This was followed by the lighting of the lamp and the key note address given by the Hon. Secretary Prof. Geoffrey Francis.
“On behalf of the Executive Committee of HAPC(Madras), I take great pleasure in extending a hearty and warm welcome to our Chief Guest for this evening Mr. George Hillier and Mrs. Phyllis Hillier for having been so gracious as to come all the way from England to inaugurate the Third Branch of HELP A POOR CHILD in India in our beloved State of Madras.
Children all over the world occupy the centre stage in the life and development of a nation. What is shaped in their minds and how they are guided will fashion their personality in years to come. If we had dictators like Stalin and Hitler, it is only because they had a very sad childhood and a neglected home. We have even seen in large nations some of the criminals have become what they are because of abject neglect, poverty and broken homes that made them adopt a very hard life and take up crime. In one of the latest books entitled “The Ice Man” written by Ron Raerick with Doug Murren, we have a chilling account of a young man who took great pleasure in hurting others and in this book he records a blood curdling account of how he had gone through life hurting and harming others chiefly because he had a very sad and neglected childhood. Fortunately, the book ends on a very positive note with the author categorically stating that after he had come into contact with Christ he changed his entire personality. This incident gives us a clear understanding that it is necessary and vital to motivate and encourage children to shape their creative talents that are built in. In doing so, not only will we be rearing a fresh crop of talented youngsters but, we will be bringing in, a new generation of children who willl contribute significantly to the world. If we have a personality like Stephen Spielberg who is constantly churning up adventures of creativity from outer space to dinosaurs, it was because his childhood was full of dreams and adventures that were constantly encouraged by his parents.
HAPC has decided that apart from helping children with their basic needs like the provision of fees, books
We in Madras have a population of over 5.57 crores out of which easily about 2 crores represent children. To put it differently, Madras has about 40 million people out of which at least 15 million are children, and out of this vast number of children at least 40% live in poverty and in awful economic conditions. Tamil Nadu had developed a fine educational system with a massive network of schools, colleges and educational institutions and vast professional bodies and we have been witnessing a massive increase in fee structure of these institutions which many children find difficult to meet. Even at the school level, despite the Government having corporation schools and various other schools run free of cost by the Government, there are many dropouts from Std. VIII onwards. This is because of the economic conditions and also of the fact that many of the parents would like to see their children work to earn an extra Rupee for their families. It is no wonder therefore that we have at least 2 lakh children working in the Bidi factory in the State and 5 lakh children working in the Fire works industry at Sivakasi and over 2 lakh children working as cleaners, waiters in small, medium and large hotels. It is therefore a very sorry and sad state of affairs where the plight of children is concerned in Madras.
The purpose of establishing this organisation HELP A POOR CHILD, which has been registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act of 1975 of the State, that has facilitated to set up branches all over India is to concentrate on the’ TOTAL CHILD’. When we talk about Total Child we are talking about his economic growth, his mental growth, his growth of cultural talents and his spiritual growth. HAPC (Madras) is the third branch in India of HAPC (UK) and it draws its source of strength and inspiration from HAPC (UK) and it is totally dedicated and committed to the cause of children in the State irrespective of caste, creed or religion. At present HAPC (Madras) has about 20 members and it is in the process of building up its membership. It hass commenced its operations by helping to meet the fees of students and it has provided assistance to few children who had some problems. One of the recipients and beneficiaries of HAPC (Madras) is a seven year old boy Xavier who unfortunately fell from the terrace of his house and had a severe head injury. HAPC has provided medical relief and is doing its level best to see that the boy is out of danger. It has provided educational assistance to the Jacob family and a few other students. It has plans to help more and more youngsters in the field of education, sports and in building up the entire personality of young children.
The Executive Committee has plans of setting up a hostel for destitute children. The purpose of this hostel is to house destitute children and provide them with education in schools. The President of HAPC (Madras) has been involved with destitute children and it is his desire to establish this hostel for destitute children.
We are extremely thankful to our Chief Guest Mr. George Hillier and to the Chairman of HAPC (UK) Mr. Derrick Pereira for their support, help, love and affection shown to us in getting HAPC (Madras) started and we assure them of our support and help and I also assure them that HAPC (Madras) will do its very best to achieve the great objectives of HAPC world wide and thereby to help children become productive and profitable citizens of the country.”
Future Plans of HAPC (Madras)
HAPC has decided that apart from helping children with their basic needs like the provision of fees, books and clothes, it has long term plans of establishing a HAPC Centre that will concentrate on the provision of boarding and lodging for destitute children.