Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar poses with award winners during the annual function of Karnataka Bal Vikas Academy at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi on Tuesday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar urged parents to respect their children’s choice in choosing their studies and career.
After presenting the annual Karnataka Bal Vikas Academy Awards at Suvarna Soudha here on Tuesday, she said that modern stress is robbing children of time for play and fun.
“We should never forget that every moment is important for children. We should let them make good use of their time. It is our responsibility to ensure that children fulfill their dreams and make their parents happy. But we must allow them to grow up to be responsible citizens,” she said.
She said she was inspired to pursue a career in public life after hearing speeches by a leader who visited her school during her childhood.
She said she sees her portfolio as an opportunity to serve women and children.
“I come from an ordinary farming family. I am proud to speak about it. As the only minister, I am now raising my voice for women and children. I have made many changes since I became the minister. All our efforts have been focused on realizing that today’s children are the future citizens of the country,” she said.
“Various efforts of Congress governments like mid-day meal and promotion of SHGs, started during SM Krishna’s rule, have been appreciated across the country,” she said.
Speaking on the occasion, Karnataka Bal Vikas Academy President Sangamesh Babaleswar said that a national children’s literature conference would be organized in Vijayapur in the coming months.
Published – 16 Dec 2025 19:35 IST
