Kailash Satyarthi: Protect, educate neglected children

Renowned child rights activist and Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi stressed the importance of protecting and educating neglected children in society.
A workshop titled ‘Bagaru Balyam’ was held at the RIMS auditorium here on Thursday, featuring Kailash Satyarthi, Minister Balaveeranjaneya Swamy, and Collector Thameem Ansariya.
In his address, Satyarthi highlighted the collective responsibility to safeguard the future of neglected children and girls. He emphasised that every child deserves safety, freedom, health, and education, and called on everyone to contribute to child protection and upholding children’s rights.
Satyarthi further underscored the need for diligent efforts to protect children’s rights and eradicate child labour. He expressed satisfaction with the District Collector’s special focus on child rights, notably through the ‘Bangaru Balayam’ programme in the district.
He asserted that education is crucial for personal growth and that safeguarding children’s rights is essential in today’s society. Satyarthi noted that health, education, and protection of children are integral to the government’s sustainable development goals and urged collective effort to achieve these objectives.
Reflecting on his experiences, Satyarthi mentioned that he has travelled to around 150 countries over the past 25 years as part of his child rights advocacy. Minister for Social Welfare Balaveeranjaneya Swamy explained that the Collector organised the meeting in response to incidents highlighted on social and media platforms. He noted the government’s initiative to establish residential schools for children from impoverished families.
The Minister praised the Collector for inviting Satyarthi and emphasised that government welfare schemes for children must reach those in need.
Collector Thameem Ansariya stated that the ‘Bangaru Balyam’ programme was organised to provide a bright future for neglected children, aiming to ensure their health, safety, and education.
SP AR Damodar assured full support to district authorities in protecting children’s rights and facilitating their education. Joint Collector R Gopal Krishna, Social Welfare PD Madhuri, and other officials also attended the event.