HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Nov 21: UNICEF Assam, in association with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare, government of Assam, and the Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL), celebrated World Children’s Day on Thursday with an exhibition volleyball match symbolising the importance of young people, especially girls, being at the forefront of climate action, driving change as a team for future generations.
The day coincides with the launch of UNICEF’s global flagship State of the World’s Children 2024 report, ‘The Future of Childhood in a Changing World’, which delves deep into the global megatrends shaping our lives—climate crisis, demographic transition, and frontier technologies. At the event, speakers highlighted the cause of children’s rights and how sports can inspire people to take constructive action to preserve the climate for future generations in Assam.
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The event was addressed by Mukesh Chandra Sahu, IAS, principal secretary, Department of Women & Child Development, government of Assam; Kauser Jamil Hilaly, IAS, secretary, Sports & Youth Welfare Department, government of Assam; Abhijit Bhattacharya, founder and former member of the Indian Volleyball team; Nahid Afrin, UNICEF youth advocate; and Dr Madhulika Jonathan, chief of Field Office, UNICEF Assam and Northeast states.
In his keynote address, Mukesh Chandra Sahu stated, “Climate-induced economic challenges create a cycle that worsens structural oppression, including gender inequality and poverty, leading to issues like child marriage and violations of children’s rights. On World Children’s Day, we must learn from volleyball, working as a team to defend every child’s rights.”
Kauser Jamil Hilaly, IAS, secretary of the Sports & Youth Welfare Department, Assam, emphasised young people as champions of change. He said, “Sports ignite joy and inspire us to achieve our beliefs. Climate action is crucial, as it affects our children’s future and their rights to a quality life. Like volleyball, tackling climate policy requires a strong serve from both government and people, solid passes, and teamwork.
Dr Madhulika Jonathan, UNICEF Assam chief, emphasised the need for collective youth action on climate. “UNICEF is committed to prioritising children’s climate resilience and ensuring access to education and healthcare. Our partnerships with the Departments of Women and Child Development and Sports and Youth Welfare are vital in bridging capacity gaps to minimise climate change’s impact on children, especially adolescent girls. Through the Brahmaputra Volleyball League, UNICEF aims to challenge societal norms, advocate for girls’ rights, expand their education, and inspire leadership within the league and beyond.”
UNICEF youth advocate Nahid Afrin said, “Every child deserves a future that starts with a safe environment. Climate change and social issues like child marriage are interconnected, particularly affecting girls during crises. Policymakers must address this link and create climate action frameworks that prioritise gender equity, ensuring no girl is left behind in the fight for a sustainable world. I wish this campaign great success.”
Our Hojai correspondent adds: The Family Strengthening Program of SOS Children’s Village, Hojai, marked the conclusion of Child Safety Week with the celebration of Universal Children’s Day on Wednesday. Throughout the week, various activities were organised for children across the FS Clusters, including Dhanuhar Basti, Hira Basti, Milik Basti, and Hawaipur.
The theme for the drawing competition was ‘Green and Clean Environment’, aimed at raising awareness among children about the significance of climate change and the value of maintaining a clean and green environment. Outstanding performers were recognised with tokens of appreciation on Children’s Day by the day’s distinguished guests.
Among the guests were Merlin Hazarika, secretary of DLSA Hojai; Chaturthi Biswas, chairman of Hojai Municipality; and the headmasters of Tetulitola ME School and Jankalayna LP School. Children from all clusters actively participated in the event. The secretary of DLSA Hojai also conducted an awareness session on the POSCO Act, emphasising its provisions for the safeguarding of children.
The chairman of Hojai Municipality and other guests encouraged the children to remember their responsibilities and to cultivate self-discipline to become exemplary citizens of India, thereby inspiring their community. Chittaranjan, assistant director of SOS CV Hojai, spoke about the significance of the day, focusing on child rights and the role of the Bal Panchayat in the community. Chitralekha Gogoi, village in-charge of SOS CV Hojai, discussed the importance of the FS program and how children can leverage it for personal and community development while fulfilling their responsibilities.
The children showcased a variety of cultural performances, including solo and group dances, solo and group songs, and a drama addressing the detrimental effects of child marriage and honouring the dedication of the armed forces. These performances received widespread acclaim from the audience.
The program was coordinated by animators Sima Nayak, Hematin Sahu, Radharani Das, Shiuli Das, Namita Sahu, Mira Devi, and Sala Kumari Devi, with caregiver Mayarani Das serving as the anchor. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Niranjan Das, sr CW of SOS CV Hojai.
Our Jorhat correspondent adds: An interaction programme between children from across the district and officials of the district administration, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), and various government departments and agencies was held at the Conference Hall of the Jorhat DC office complex on Wednesday to observe World Children’s Day.
The event was organised by the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Jorhat, and ‘Bal Raksha Bharat’ (Save The Children). After the welcome and introductory speech delivered by the district facilitator of Bal Raksha Bharat, Mriganku Bahak, the child participants (school students up to class 12), who were termed as ‘adolescent leaders’, spoke on a wide range of topics. They spoke about their experiences regarding their activities and the challenges they face in their localities. The child participants also submitted a charter of demands (memorandum), consisting of a set of suggestions, to the district administration, which was accepted by the chief executive officer (CEO) of Jorhat Zila Parishad, Bipul Kumar Das, and DLSA secretary-cum-judicial officer of Jorhat, Devojyoti Bhuyan, on behalf of the administration.
The charter included suggestions by the children on ways to improve educational and social conditions in the district. Having a community library and a community playground for the overall development of children were two important demands in the charter.
It may be mentioned here that to commemorate the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children (UNCRC) by the UN General Assembly on November 20, 1989, World Children’s Day is observed on November 20 every year. DLSA secretary-cum-judicial officer Devojyoti Bhuyan, in his address, spoke at length about the legal system and the legal support available to children as per the provisions of the law for the protection and development of children.
Childline coordinator Avisikha Saikia explained the system and process of Childline and the hotline number 1098, while Snigdha Dutta Baruah, child protection officer of the DCPU, explained the sponsorship programme. Sanjukta Bhuyan from the Office of the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) spoke about the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ and other government schemes. Former Jorhat Press Club president Diganta Buragohain, and a former AASU leader and journalist, now Devajit Baruah, were amongst the speakers.
Swapnali Bhuyan, another child protection officer of the DCPU, offered the vote of thanks.
