Children of today are the nation builders of tomorrow. Mentally or psychologically, they are like soft clay which can be moulded into any shape. Children are physically and mentally weak. They are totally dependent upon others for almost everything. As we possess human rights, they also have rights to play, to be loved and cared for, to have an education and to be free without any physical and psychological tortures. Children are the future stars. 

Children easily tend to adapt with the surroundings. If they get good parental care and environment, no one can stop them from becoming great. But if they are under bad influence, they may become notorious criminals. So, the basic needs of children are good parental care, safe and sound environment. Future of children is in the hands of the grown-ups.

Our country has signed many pacts for preservation of children and to ensure children’s rights in our nation, but in vain. However, some governmental and non-governmental organisations have been doing praiseworthy deeds in this context. Yet despite such organisations’ activities, many children are still seen begging on streets, cleaning plates in restaurants and Kamlari pratha is prevalent in our society. This means there is still a lot to be done.

Only a handful of children are getting education. Many children are misused by parties, drug dealers, smugglers and gangsters. Their future is very critical. Due to the negative response from society, many children, especially street children, are getting involved in many nefarious or criminal activities and thus are spoiling their precious lives at this early age. So, it is high time that authorities concerned should be conscious about their prime agenda.

— Ritesh Chaudhary, Class X, Siddhartha Vanasthali Institute