DLSA Kishtwar Organises Awareness Programm on Bal Vivah Mukht Bharat Campaign at HSS Binoon

DLSA Kishtwar Organises Awareness Programme on Bal Vivah Mukht Bharat Campaign at HSS Binoon

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Kishtwar, in collaboration with the Tehsil Administration Bunjwah, the District Child Protection Unit Social Welfare Department Kishtwar, and SWR Varinder Kumar( Shaurya Chakra) Coaching Classes, organised a notable seminar titled “Bal Vivah Mukht Bharat” (Child Marriage-Free India) at the esteemed Higher Secondary School (HSS) Binoon. This event, aimed at raising awareness about the significant issues surrounding child marriage, was graced by the presence of the distinguished Tehsildar Bunjwah, Shri Tejinder Sharma (JKAS), who attended as the Chief Guest.

The seminar featured a lineup of esteemed speakers, including Advocate Naveed Khurshid Dev, the Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) of the DLSA; Deputy Chief LADC Jaleel Ahmed Waza; Assistant LADC Advocate Iram Saba; and Advocate Farhat Nabi and PLV Bilal Sheikh. These legal experts shared their insights and experiences, contributing to profound discussions about the implications of child marriage and the importance of community awareness and legal measures in mitigating this issue.

Noteworthy resource persons, such as Deepika Bhandari, a Protection Officer (Institutional Care) District Child Protection Unit Mission Vatsalya Kishtwar, and Shashi Kumar from MPS One Stop Solution, offered invaluable insights into the pressing issue of child marriage. Their contributions enriched the dialogue, providing attendees with pragmatic strategies for advocacy and effective intervention in local communities.

The seminar’s primary objective was to elevate community awareness regarding the urgent need for a campaign against child marriage, highlighting its integral importance as a collaborative effort between SWR Varinder Kumar Coaching Classes and HSS Binoon. Both institutions stand as vital pillars for educational and social advocacy in the region, striving to foster an environment of understanding and action.

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Throughout the seminar, participants engaged in a thorough examination of the stark realities and harmful repercussions associated with child marriage. Discussions illuminated the comprehensive legal frameworks established by the government to combat this pressing social issue. Attendees immersed themselves in a sequence of enlightening educational sessions led by esteemed legal scholars and passionate social advocates, which included thought-provoking discussions, captivating presentations, and interactive activities designed to promote engagement and inspire collective mobilisation.

Resource persons provided enlightening perspectives on the Bal Vivah Mukht Bharat campaign, earnestly urging participation not only from the enrolled students of SWR Varinder Kumar Coaching Classes but also from local community members, including Lumbedars, Chowkidars, esteemed citizens, and various stakeholders from the broader populace. This initiative highlighted the indispensable role of education and community activism in the fight against child marriage, galvanising participants to undertake proactive steps toward creating a safe and equitable atmosphere for all children.

In his remarks, Shafqat Sheikh, the In-charge of SWR Varinder Kumar Coaching Classes, proudly declared the successful enrollment of 95 eager students from the 8th, 9th, and 10th grades, providing them with complimentary coaching along with essential materials and resources. Sheikh articulated that this initiative not only aims to advance educational attainment but also to instil a profound moral consciousness within students and the larger community. He expressed heartfelt gratitude toward Bhari Lal Shamra, the father of SWR Varinder Kumar(a Shaurya Chakra Awardee), for his unwavering dedication to societal welfare in honour of his son’s sacrifices—a legacy that the nation will forever cherish.

Tehsildar Bunjwah, Mr Tejinder Sharma delivered a stirring address that underscored the urgent need to confront child marriage within our society. He eloquently articulated the critical significance of this issue, emphasising its role in shaping the future of our communities. Mr Sharma commended the Management Committee of SWR Varinder Kumar Coaching Classes for their innovative and impactful initiatives, praising their steadfast commitment to organising transformative programs every week. He accentuated the significance of these efforts in cultivating a rich culture of awareness and proactive civic engagement among both youth and community members, inspiring a collective pledge to forge a brighter and more just future for all.

Attendees included local community members, educators, and students, all engaged in dialogue surrounding the goals of the “Bal Vivah Mukht Bharat” Campaign, reinforcing the collective commitment to eradicating child marriage and promoting the rights and education of children. The seminar fostered an interactive environment where participants could ask questions and share their perspectives, ultimately aiming to mobilize the community in advocating for a child marriage-free future.

The management committee extends heartfelt thanks to all the esteemed guests, including Tehsildar Bunjwah Tejinder Sharma JKAS, Chief LADC Adv Naveed Khurshid Dev, Deputy Chief LADC Adv Jaleel Ahmed Waza, Assistant LADC Adv Farhat Nabi, Advocate Iram Saba, Deepika Bhandari, Protection Officer SWD, Shashi Kumar from One Stop Solution SWD, as well as the Lumbedars, Chowkidars, and senior citizens of Bunjwah, including Leakh Raj, Mohd Ashraf Sheikh, Adil Hussain, Firdous Ahmed, Mohd Ashraf, Mohd Rabbi, and Media Correspondent Ashiq Wani, alongside Mohd Irfan Mughal and others who participated in this essential awareness program. They look forward to continued cooperation from the community in organising such impactful awareness initiatives.

About the Author

SHAFQAT SHEIKH

Freelance Writer Columnist Bunjwah Kishtwar