How often have we walked past a child begging on the streets of Panjim or Margao, or seen a young girl selling trinkets at the beach in Calangute, or even noticed a mother carrying a seemingly drugged infant, pleading for money? Did we stop to think about their stories, struggles and safety? And more importantly, did it occur to us that we could do something to change their lives with a simple call to 1098, the Childline number?
Have we, as a society, become too indifferent to the suffering around us? Or is it that we don’t trust the system enough to act when we see injustice? These are hard questions, but they must be asked. Goa is home to a variety of helplines meant to address social issues, yet these services remain underused. Why are we not dialling the numbers that can help change lives?
A beacon of hope: Tele-Manas’ early success
One helpline that stands out for its progress is Tele-Manas, introduced in mid-2023 to address mental health concerns. With over 12,350 calls received in its first year, the service has proven to be a critical resource for people seeking mental health support. Teenagers and young adults aged 18 to 45 years have emerged as the most frequent users, accounting for 70.9% of all calls, signalling a significant shift in help-seeking behavior among youth.
Depression, the most common complaint, reflects the increasing mental health burden on young people. Issues surrounding personal relationships, anxiety, and stress were other leading reasons for calls, revealing a wide spectrum of challenges faced by individuals. Encouragingly, children and teenagers are also beginning to use the service, with 272 calls from 13–17-year-olds and 469 calls from children up to 12 years.
This success is a testament to the growing awareness of mental health and the importance of accessible support. However, with such promising beginnings, there is still a long way to go.
Why don’t we act on other helplines?
While Tele-Manas shows progress, other helplines like 1098 (Childline), 1091 (Women’s Helpline), 14446 (Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan) and 1097 (HIV/AIDS Helpline) often remain underutilised. Why don’t we, as citizens, report when we see a child being exploited or an individual in distress? Are we too busy, or do we simply think someone else will act? Perhaps we hesitate because we fear getting involved or doubt the system’s ability to respond.
These doubts are valid, but they also perpetuate the problem. Every time we fail to report a child begging, a woman in distress, or a case of substance abuse, we allow the cycle of suffering to continue.
What could happen if we acted?
Imagine the change we could bring if every Goan chose to act.
• Children on the streets: When we report children begging, selling items, or being exploited by their families, we set the wheels in motion for their rescue and rehabilitation. A call to 1098 could ensure that these children are placed in safe environments and given opportunities to thrive.
• Women in danger: A call to 1091 could connect a woman to shelter, counselling and legal aid, breaking the cycle of abuse.
• Mental health support: Recommending Tele-Manas (14416) to someone battling anxiety or depression could be a life-saving act.
• Substance abuse: Reporting drug abuse through 14446 could help individuals seek rehabilitation and disrupt illegal trafficking networks.
• Senior citizens and vulnerable groups: Sharing these helplines with our elderly neighbors or marginalized communities could restore dignity and safety to those often overlooked.
Each call is a step toward justice and change.
Are the helplines ready to respond?
While helplines are a critical first step, they are not enough on their own. The government and associated organizations must ensure that these numbers lead to real, timely action. Are the systems in place to respond to every call? Are there enough trained personnel to handle the volume? Are cases being followed up and resolved?
Citizens have every right to demand answers to these questions. But it starts with us using these helplines. If we don’t report, how can we expect the system to improve?
Tele-Manas shows the way, but there’s more to be done
Tele-Manas has demonstrated what is possible when helplines are accessible and responsive. However, as highlighted by Dr Pokle, stigma remains a barrier that prevents many from reaching out. Misconceptions about seeking mental health support, fear of judgment, and a lack of awareness about the helpline’s services continue to hold people back.
To address this, Goa needs demand-generation activities to promote not just Tele-Manas but all helplines. Awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, workplaces, and public spaces can help normalize help-seeking behavior.
How can we create a movement?
The power to transform Goa lies in our hands. Here’s how you can make a difference:
1. Save These Numbers:
Start by saving these helplines on your phone:
• 1098 – Childline
• 1091 – Women’s Helpline
• 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 – Tele-Manas
• 14446 – Nasha Mukt Bharat
Abhiyan
• 1097 – HIV/AIDS Helpline
• Pink Force (1091, 100, 101, WhatsApp 7875756177)
2. Make the Call:
Whether you witness a child in distress, someone struggling with addiction, or a woman in danger, don’t hesitate—make the call.
3. Spread awareness:
Talk about these numbers with your family, friends, and community. Use social media, posters, and public forums to educate others.
4. Demand accountability:
If your call goes unanswered or no action is taken, follow up. Share your experiences and push for improvement.
Will you answer the call?
The power to create change lies in our hands. Goa is our home, and its people deserve better. It’s time to rise above indifference and take responsibility for the injustices we see around us.
So, the next time you walk past a child on the streets, hear of someone in distress, or see a sign of abuse, don’t just walk away. Pick up your phone and make the call. Together, we can turn these helplines into the lifelines they were meant to be. Let Tele-Manas inspire us all to act—not just for mental health but for every social issue.
Will you take the first step? Will you answer the call?