The Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR), in partnership with Bal Raksha Bharat, observed World Children’s Day with a programme in Guwahati that brought together officials, child-rights workers and schoolchildren to highlight the need for safer and more inclusive spaces for children across the state.
Opening the event, ASCPCR member Badana Sasoni said the day serves as a reminder that every child, regardless of caste, class or gender, has the right to live freely. She voiced concern over the psychological challenges faced by children and stressed that mental health must be treated as an essential part of overall well-being. “We must join hands to build an inclusive society,” she said.
The programme featured a keynote address by Anwesha president Paresh Malakar, who spoke about the role of books in shaping young minds and called for reading to be encouraged at home, in schools and in communities. “For the holistic development of a child, two aspects are very important: a good body and a good mind,” he said.
One of the central parts of the event was the platform offered to children to share their experiences. Abhijit Bora from Titabor, Jorhat spoke about a community library started in his village’s Namghar guest house, saying it has helped both children and adults to read and learn together.
Students also shared the impact of programmes run by Bal Raksha Bharat. Sristi Barman of Beltola High School said her participation in Honda Ki Pathsala boosted her confidence and communication skills. “My personality has grown,” she said. Nayan Das from Hajo recalled how a Multi Activity Centre helped him learn numbers and alphabets, adding that he now attends school without fear.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Health officer Dr Shantimoyee Sarma Baruah highlighted the importance of nutrition and adequate sleep, calling them the building blocks of physical and cognitive development. In another session, Babita Saikia, State Coordinator of the Association for Voluntary Action, discussed child marriage and its severe impact on health and rights. “Early pregnancy is one of the main causes of death among girls aged between 15 to 18 years,” she said, while also referring to government schemes such as Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina Asoni.
The programme also addressed digital safety. Additional Superintendent of Police (CID) and Assam Police Sishu Mitra Programme coordinator, Geetanjali Doley, spoke about cybercrime targeting children, including cyberbullying, online grooming, CSAM, phishing and identity theft. She urged parents and guardians to maintain open communication with children about online risks and pointed to the available cybercrime reporting systems.
ASCPCR representatives Ajay Kr Dutta and Mousumi Brahma said sustained awareness efforts in rural areas remain crucial, as community-level knowledge continues to play a major role in preventing child-rights violations.
In her closing remarks, Bal Raksha Bharat manager Kritanjali Kashyap encouraged students to act as ambassadors of child rights and to help other children understand and express their rights. Students from Beltola High School participated actively throughout the programme.
This year’s global theme, My Day, My Rights, framed the discussions and activities held during the event.
Also read | NESO seeks Meghalaya Guv over illegal migration in Northeast