Shillong, 25 April 2025: SOS Children’s Village Shillong celebrated its 25th year of operations,
marking a major milestone for the NGO that plays an integral role in the holistic development of
vulnerable children and families in the region.
The Silver Jubilee celebration, which was held at the SOS Children’s Village Shillong campus near
Umiam Lake saw children, caregivers, community leaders, and dignitaries sharing ideas, gratitude,
culture, and a vision for the future. Each of the 32 Children’s Villages spread across the
country comprises a community including an SOS Mother and siblings that surrounds parentless
children and focuses on their holistic well-being. The idea is to provide a pillar of family-like care to
every programme participant under the care of SOS India.
The event was graced by Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Cabinet Minister, Government of Meghalaya, as the
Chief Guest: Shri Damanbait Lamare, MLA, as Guest of Honour, along with Mr. Sumanta Kar, CEO,
SOS Children’s Villages India.
Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Cabinet Minister, Government of Meghalaya, said, “It gives me immense pride
and joy to join in celebrating the silver jubilee of SOS Children’s Village Shillong. This remarkable
milestone stands as a testament to the commitment of SOS Children’s Villages India towards building
strong foundations for vulnerable children, nurturing not just lives but futures. I extend my heartfelt
congratulations to all the SOS mothers, co-workers, and supporters who have made this journey
possible. May the Children’s Village continue to inspire and illuminate the path for many more
generations to come.”
Since its inception in 1999 and the subsequent establishment of the Children’s Village in 2000, SOS
Children’s Village Shillong has expanded its roots. Starting with 5 SOS Mothers nurturing 40
children, it now supports 155 children across nine family homes and two youth homes. It also
supports 65 young adults through its Supervised Independent Living (SIL) programme, which aims to
provide a smooth transition towards being contributing members of society. 108 youth have attained
self-reliance and are contributing members of society.
Mr. Sumanta Kar, CEO, SOS India, said, “Twenty-five years ago, SOS Children’s Village Shillong began
with a promise to every child who had lost parental care or was at risk of losing it that they would
still have a home, a family, and a future filled with hope. Today, as we mark this silver jubilee, we
stand in awe of the lives nurtured, the bonds built, and the dreams made possible here. This is a
celebration of love, resilience, and the enduring belief that every child deserves to grow up with
dignity, security, and belonging.”
Over the years, SOS Children’s Villages India has evolved in its interventions and extends support to
the community in Shillong. Through its Family Strengthening Programme, 282 children are
supported to ensure they remain in their biological families, and to date, 523 families have attained
self-reliance and are sustainable. The Foster Care programme, in collaboration with the Government
of Meghalaya, supports 51 children. The Kinship Care programme supports 25 children.
The achievement of the 25-year milestone was marked with cultural celebrations comprising
traditional Khasi, Assamese, and Jhumur dances performed by the children and youth from SOS
Children’s Villages Shillong, Guwahati, and Hojai. This was followed by former SOS Mothers sharing
their fond memories and experiences. The silver jubilee was also marked by the unveiling of a special
souvenir booklet documenting the 25-year journey. The celebrations were brought to a conclusion
with a tree plantation drive.
About SOS Children’s Villages India: Established in 1964, SOS Children’s Villages India provides
children without parental care or at risk of losing it a value chain of quality care services that goes

beyond childcare alone, ensuring comprehensive child development. Our customised care
interventions, such as Family Like Care, Family Strengthening, Kinship Care, Short Stay Homes, Foster
Care, Youth Skilling, Emergency Childcare, and Special Needs Childcare are aimed at transforming
lives and enabling children under our care to become self-reliant and contributing members of society. The
organisation empowers vulnerable families in communities to become financially independent,
enabling them to create safe and nurturing spaces for children under their care. Today, over 6,500
Children live in more than 440 family homes inside 32 SOS Children’s Villages India, in 22 States/UTs,
from Srinagar to Cochin and Bhuj to Shillong. They are lovingly cared for and nurtured by SOS
Mothers and Aunts. As India’s most extensive self-implementing childcare NGO, SOS Children’s
Villages India has empowered over 65,000 children annually, positively impacting over 83000 lives.