Jamshedpur, Nov. 20: On the occasion of Universal Children’s Right’s Day on November 20, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in association with Young Indians (YI) and Jusco held a public awareness meet to spread awareness about the issues related to child sexual abuses. The public awareness campaign by Young Indians is being supported by the Zimmedaar Nagrik Zimmedaar Shaher movement initiated by Jusco.
Vandana Mathur was the chief patron at the event. The public and members of Jusco and Young Indians lit candles and said a prayer for all the nameless faceless children who suffer abuse in their lifetimes and pledged to do their bit to eradicate this menace to the future of the country.
Children suffering abuse from persons close to them undergo immense mental trauma as well. This issue is plaguing the world of children. The rising number of child abuse cases is a cause for alarm. And add to it the number of cases that are not reported due to lack of awareness or the fear of loss of reputation. “Often parents choose not to complain,” said, Vishal Agarwalla, chairperson, Young Indians (YI), Jamshedpur Chapter.
The YI has launched a nationwide “Project Masoom” against child sexual abuse to counter this. “Our idea is to create better awareness about the issue and effectively spread the message,” says Agarwalla, adding, “Child sexual abuse is a pressing problem not only in big cities but also in places like Madurai. Not only girls, boys are also victims. Parents should understand the problem comes not only from outside but also from within the family, with close relatives, friends and neighbours exploiting the kids’ innocence.”
“Project Masoom” chairperson Ujwala Asundi Kumar said, “Child sexual abuse is a pressing problem not only in big cities but also in places like Jamshedpur. Not only girls, boys are also victims. Parents should understand the problem comes not only from outside but also from within the family, with close relatives, friends and neighbours exploiting the kids’ innocence.”
The public awareness event organized at the intersection area near Sacred Heart Covent School involved candle lighting and prayer service in the evening in honour and memory of all the children who suffer from psychological damage and physical trauma due to sexual abuse.
Currently, the “Project Masoom” vertical under the CII-YI banner is also engaged in a school campaign in association with Childline, where children are being educated about ‘safe touch’ and ‘unsafe touch.’ They are also being taught ways to keep themselves safe, thereby empowering them.
Takkar Bappa School at Dhatkidih, BKVM School at Kadma and MNPS Sakchi have been covered and the children and teachers sensitized to the issue of child abuse and ways to stay safe, added Mrs. Ujwala.
Other officials from Jusco including Ashish Mathur, managing director, A P Singh, Ethics Committee, Captain Mishra, Kamath and Sukanya Das have lend their support.
