Gadchiroli Oct. 15 (District Correspondent) Child marriage is not just a matter of human rights, but its an inhuman system of sexual exploitation of minor girls, said District Women and Child Development Officer Prakash Bhandakkar while speaking at the International Girl Child Day program organized by SPARSH organization at Vidhyabharati Girls High School here the other day.
Senior social activist Rohidas Raut, senior Advocate of District Sessions Court Adv. Sanjay Bhat, Chairman of Sparsh Sanstha Dr. Dilip Barsagde, lady PSIs Madhuri Misal, Vishakha Maitre, Aarti Saswade, Maya Khobragade, Vidya Bharti Schools Principal Ms. Vandana Munghate were present as the chief guest.
President of Sparsh Sanstha Dr. Dilip Barsagde in his introductory speech gave information of various activities being taken up under access to justice for children initiative. Mr. Raut advised the girls to give up inferiority complex and take an inspiration from the achiever women of the world and create their career. Adv. Bhat gave the details of various laws enacted for the safety of the women and girls. PSI Misal asked the girls to pay more attention on the internal development of personality and become self-confident. Ms. Maya Khobragade narrated how she had to face immense physical and mental hardships due to marriage at an early age of 13 years. Ms. Munghate explained the need to create awareness in the society to stop child marriage.
A book written by Bhuvan Ribhu, Advisor of Kailash Satyarthi Children Foundation “When Children Have Children” which is a blueprint for making India free from child marriage was released on the occasion at the hands of the dignitaries.
On this occasion, Ms. Maya Khobragade was felicitated for her initiative to prevent child marriage. An oath was administered to those present to prevent child marriage. The program was moderated by Lukesh Somankar and vote of thanks was given by Saili Meshram.
Vaibhav Sontakke, Leena Balekramkar, Tejaswini Hemke, Prerna Urade, Varsha Durge took pains for organizing the event.
Photo PSI Misal speaking at the programme as other dignitaries are seated.
