Khushboo Verma, Jadetimes Staff
Khushboo Verma is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia News
Universal Children’s Day, celebrated globally on November 20th, reminds the world of the urgent need to address the challenges faced by children in every corner of the globe. This day, established by the United Nations in 1954, serves as both a celebration of children’s rights and an important call to action. However, as the world marks another year, the harsh realities faced by millions of children remain all too apparent. From poverty and malnutrition to lack of access to education and exploitation, children worldwide continue to endure hardships that compromise their futures.
The Global Crisis Facing Children
Children, the most vulnerable members of society, are facing a multitude of challenges. According to UNICEF, nearly 385 million children live in extreme poverty, and countless others are affected by conflict, displacement, and the impact of climate change. The situation is even more dire for marginalised children who live on the fringes of society, often denied the basic rights to education, health, and protection from violence.
In low-income and conflict-affected regions, many children are forced into labor, drug addiction, or even armed conflict. In parts of Africa and the Middle East, the lack of safe education opportunities exposes children to exploitation and trafficking. In Asia, millions of children from rural areas are deprived of schooling, and in some places, early marriages prevent young girls from accessing education and vital life skills.
While the issues facing children are universal, the responses to these challenges are often fragmented. It is crucial that nations adopt comprehensive strategies to connect marginalised children with the mainstream, offering them not just education, but also the necessary support systems to break the cycle of poverty, exploitation, and neglect.
Rishikulshala: A Beacon of Hope in India
Amidst these global challenges, there is a shining example of how targeted, compassionate education can make a profound difference in the lives of marginalised children. Rishikulshala, an initiative led by the visionary Indian educator and social reformer, Prof. Pawan Sinha, is one such movement that aims to uplift the forgotten children of society.
Rishikulshala is not just a physical school; it is a movement built on the foundational belief that education is the key to nation-building. With the motto "Educate India, Rebuild India", Prof. Sinha’s initiative seeks to bring the deprived and underserved children of India into the mainstream of society, ensuring they receive both education and essential values. The movement operates under the Youth Awakening Mission, a project of the Ashram, which focuses on social empowerment through holistic development.
The Vision of Man Making to Nation Making
At the heart of Rishikulshala lies the vision of “man making to nation making”. Prof. Sinha recognized that marginalised children, often ignored by society, are at risk of falling into a cycle of crime, addiction, malnutrition, and exploitation. These children, when they grow up, remain disconnected from society and indifferent to the issues affecting their communities. Rishikulshala aims to change this by offering them an alternative: a chance to break the cycle through education and value-based upbringing.
The core of Rishikulshala’s work is providing marginalised children with not only the tools to excel academically but also the values and skills necessary to become responsible citizens. By addressing their basic educational needs and instilling a sense of responsibility, Rishikulshala hopes to create a generation of children who can contribute meaningfully to society, respect their heritage, and work toward the betterment of their nation.
The Impact of Rishikulshala: A Model for Other Nations
Since its inception, Rishikulshala has grown exponentially. With 25 centres across India, the initiative now reaches more than 1,800 children and aims to scale its impact to 300,000 children in the near future. Each member of the Youth Awakening Mission is committed to adopting two children, ensuring they not only receive education but also the support, care, and guidance needed for their holistic development. These children are given access to basic amenities such as food, clothing, and educational materials, which many of them would otherwise be deprived of.
Rishikulshala’s model is an inspiring example of how grassroots initiatives can bring about social transformation. It demonstrates the power of community-driven education, where every individual takes responsibility for the welfare of children, becoming “social parents” who guide and mentor them on their journey to success.
The Global Call to Action
As the world celebrates Universal Children’s Day, it is essential to recognize that the plight of marginalised children is not confined to any one country or region. It is a global issue that requires concerted action. Rishikulshala’s approach can serve as a powerful model for other nations, demonstrating that the path to empowerment begins with education—particularly for those most at risk.
Other countries should consider creating similar initiatives, aimed at connecting marginalised communities to the mainstream, ensuring access to education, and providing the necessary social infrastructure to support these children. Whether through government programs, non-profit organisations, or grassroots efforts, the goal should be to bridge the gap between the privileged and the underprivileged, offering every child the opportunity to thrive.
Empowering Children for a Better Future
On this Universal Children’s Day, the world must come together to address the challenges faced by children, particularly those living in marginalised and vulnerable conditions. The story of Rishikulshala is a testament to the power of education in changing lives and uplifting entire communities. By embracing such movements and adopting similar models across the globe, we can create a world where every child, no matter their background, has the chance to dream, learn, and achieve.
The need for a global shift in how we view and treat our children is urgent. It is time for nations to act, to make the education and welfare of marginalised children a priority, and to invest in their future—for in their hands lies the future of our world.
As Prof. Pawan Sinha’s inspiring words resonate: “Educate India, Rebuild India.” Let us all commit to rebuilding the world, one child at a time.
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