The grounds of Cosmopolitan Club, Race Course, were buzzing with energy as hundreds of people from across all ages geared up for a Sunday morning walk like no other. About 200 people took to the streets of Coimbatore for a walkathon, organised by Child Rights and You (CRY) to create awareness about child labour.
Flagged off by M Durai, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, the 5km walk urged people to change the perception that sees child labour as normal and take collective action to fight the issue. All along the route, volunteers from CRY stood on the sidewalk holding hands, encouraging participants and carrying banners with messages on child labour.
Shambavi (right) at the flagging off
What made this walk unique was the fact that the prime mover, Shambavi V, is a Singapore-based 16-year-old schoolgirl, who wanted to mobilise people in her home town to fight this issue. She has been volunteering with CRY for two years and was eager to do something that would involve more people. She has also started crowdfunding to support CRY in its fight against child labour.
John Roberts, Programme Head-South, CRY, said, “Allowing children to work is a gross violation of their basic rights. It not just deprives them of a healthy growth, mentally and physically, but also has far reaching implications on their overall development. People need to change the way they look at children in their day-to-day lives and not encourage child labour in any form, be it at their own homes or employments or the street. It is heart-warming to see our youth spearhead this initiative and bring together the entire community to fight for this cause.”
Shambavi V said that she felt “very proud and happy that around 250 people participated.” The event had managed to raise nearly ₹3.5 lakhs. She also added that CRY would ensure that the money will be used to educate and empower children.
