(Representational image courtesy Shutterstock)
This story is a part of our #HeroesOfTheRepublic campaign. This Republic Day, we at The Better India are celebrating those who live and breathe the values enshrined in our Constitution.
Child exploitation remains a grim reality in India, with millions of children forced into bonded labour, deprived of education, and denied their basic rights.
Children are often forced to endure gruelling conditions in hazardous factories, working long hours with no rest and receiving little to no pay. Exploited and deceived, they are often told their meagre wages have already been sent to their parents, leaving them powerless to speak out. Driven by the desperate need to support their families, these children sacrifice their childhoods and endure immense hardship.
Addressing this crisis requires a united effort to liberate and rehabilitate these vulnerable lives — a mission that Shekhar Mahajan, a lawyer turned social worker, took upon himself. “I wanted to change my life based on my passion for giving back to society. I wanted to build a career that allowed me to earn a living while making a meaningful difference,” he says.
In 2002, he founded ‘Sahyog Care for You’ to combat this grave injustice. Starting with minimal support from friends and family, Shekhar channelled his passion for social impact into building an organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating children trapped in exploitative conditions.
“Children are cheap labour for factory owners. They are in a vulnerable position where they do not voice their opinions or difficulties like adults,” shares Harish Kumar, Sahyog’s rehabilitation manager.
Over the past five years, the NGO has rescued over 2,788 children from hazardous labour across 148 missions. Shekhar’s team collaborates with multiple governmental departments, labour officers, and police to meticulously plan these missions.
A typical rescue begins with thorough investigations to identify children working in harsh environments like steel factories and embroidery workshops. After gathering evidence, the organisation coordinates with authorities to conduct raids, ensuring the safety of the children and the team.
The rescued children are provided medical examinations, counselling, and placement in rehabilitation centres or schools. For older children who are reluctant to study, vocational training in areas like stitching, computer skills, and retail offers a chance to build sustainable livelihoods. “These skills eliminate their vulnerability and empower them to dream of a dignified life,” says Harish.
One unforgettable case involved reuniting a nine-year-old domestic worker with her father after four years. “Despite the difficulties, the joy of witnessing the father and daughter reunite after four years made every effort worthwhile,” Shekhar smiles. Such moments highlight the organisation’s impact, bringing hope to families devastated by exploitation.
In a society where children are considered cheap labour, Sahyog Care for You stands as a beacon of change, equipping rescued children with the tools to thrive.
A fitting example of this transformation is former child labourer Dev. He is now an employee of the NGO, earning Rs 15,000 a month. “The computer skills I acquired through the vocational training, which I did for one year, have not only improved my livelihood but also enabled me to support my family,” Dev shares. He hopes to earn a salary of Rs 1 lakh per month in the future.
For Shekhar, every success story is a catalyst to save more innocent lives. “Their childhood was stolen, but Sahyog continues to help them reclaim their future,” he says.
Read the full story here.
Edited by Khushi Arora; All images courtesy Sahyog Care for You.
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