Today, we are celebrating Children’s day in India while the United Nations observes Universal Children’s Day on November 20. A day set aside to emphasize the value of children in our lives and the importance of nurturing and supporting the future generation. Children light our world in ways that are both visible and tangible, much like lamps, whose flame represents the potential and optimism that each child possesses. It is our responsibility to shield this flame from the harsh winds and challenges of the world.
Recently, I received a video clip from one of my friends that showed a young girl little child running through places that had been destroyed by violent activities, tears streaming down her face. She was speaking to a journalist, her voice trembled with a mix of fear, sorrow, and anger. “Why are they killing us? What have we done?” she implored. This encounter profoundly affected me and prompted me to delve deeper into the heart-rending situation our children are going through.
It is disheartening to witness the multitude of challenges and adversities that children face in today’s world. As a result, the innocent fabric of childhood is becoming distorted. Crises and conflicts serve as a clear reminder of how vulnerable children are in these circumstances. Their safety, well-being and future are often at risk when they find themselves in the midst of violence and instability. Academic pressures, peer pressure, the influence of social media and social comparison can have detrimental effects on children. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem and stress. There also exists another group of innocent souls facing unimaginable hardships -abandoned children. These kids are frequently the victims of abuse, exploitation, and child labour.
It’s essential to create an environment where children can grow and flourish. Teaching values such as honesty, respect, kindness and empathy provides children with a moral compass that guides their actions and decisions throughout life. Listen to them attentively to what they have to say so that they feel safe to express their feelings and concerns. Instead of making them compete, let’s provide them with a platform for nourishment and personal growth. Help children set achievable goals that are based on their own capabilities and interests and praise their efforts rather than just their achievements. Children are the most vulnerable members of our society and it is our moral and legal responsibility to protect children from injury, abuse and sexual assault as well as human trafficking. The plight of abandoned children is not just a humanitarian issue but a societal concern and urgent intervention is needed to provide them with a better life. Local organizations, social workers and government agencies play a vital role in rescuing and rehabilitating these children.
When we treat children with love, focus on their development and ensure their safety, it serves as a poignant reminder of our own childhood and the nature of our inherent goodness. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the children continue to shine, by providing them a brighter, better future for all.
