FOR a young 11-year-old boy named Ravi, a normal day used to begin before the sun even rose. It involved carrying heavy loads up a narrow, rickety staircase, in a ramshackle building filled with clouds of toxic smoke. Work rarely ended before nine or ten at night.
Ravi’s story is a heart-wrenching testament to the horrors of child labor and bonded labor, an issue that still plagues many parts of India. However, amid this darkness, a ray of hope emerged in the form of Sahyog Care For You, an NGO in Delhi that has been tirelessly rescuing and rehabilitating children trapped in these dire circumstances for over two decades.
Ravi vividly recalls those harrowing days: “The fumes in the stone-polishing factory were such that I would choke and feel suffocated all day long. There was a time when I fell from the first floor, and had I not caught onto the railing, I am not sure what would have happened. I was saved by God’s grace.” Today, years after being saved from the confines of child labor, Ravi is still haunted by the abuse he faced. However, fortunately, our NGO partner Sahyog Care for You has ensured that Ravi received the medical care and rehabilitation he needed to rebuild his life.
Sadly, there are still thousands of children like Ravi who remain trapped in bonded labor, robbed of their childhood and subjected to unspeakable abuses. “It is very common for us to go to a restaurant and hear the word ‘chotu.’ But no one ever thinks about the fact that behind this universal name given to children working as laborers in hotels and tea stalls, are little kids who have been deprived of not just basic rights but even their own identity,” says Shekhar Mahajan while shedding light on the genesis of the child rights NGO.
“I would be hurt and shaken to see people use the word ‘chotu,’ and to change this became my motivation. I wanted to give children an opportunity to live a good life away from abuse and exploitation,” Shekhar explains. Starting out with a strong resolve, Shekhar and his NGO have, to date, changed the lives of over 2 lakh children and freed them from a life of abuse as child laborers and bonded laborers.
The only thing stopping Shekhar from ensuring that every child gets the upbringing they deserve is a lack of resources and funds. With our support, Sahyog Care for You can extend its reach and save thousands of children still trapped in bonded labor in hazardous conditions.
The life of an innocent child employed as a laborer is nothing short of hell. According to Shekhar, “Children are made to work 12 to 15 hours a day on an empty stomach. 10 to 15 children are crammed into small rooms and are rarely ever given the opportunity to see the open sky. For six to seven years, children are unaware if it’s day or night. They even forget the names of their own parents after a time.” As the practice of child labor continues unabated across the country, Sahyog Care for You has emerged as one of the leading organizations fighting against the exploitation and abuse of children.
Sahyog Care For You’s journey
Sahyog Care For You, headquartered in Delhi, has been a source of hope for countless children trapped in the vicious cycle of child labour and bonded labour. Founded by Shekhar Mahajan, this organization has dedicated over 20 years to rescuing, rehabilitating, and advocating for the rights of these vulnerable young souls.
The journey of Sahyog Care For You began with a deep-seated commitment to eradicate the use of the derogatory term ‘chotu’ for child laborers, recognizing that behind this name are children who have lost not only their identities but also their innocence. Shekhar’s motivation to give these children a chance at a better life became the driving force behind his relentless efforts. Over the years, Sahyog Care For You has achieved remarkable success in its mission to free children from the clutches of exploitation. Their approach is multi-faceted, focusing on rescue operations, rehabilitation, education, and advocacy. Through the dedication of its team and the unwavering support of donors and volunteers, the organization has been able to make a profound impact on the lives of these children.
The horrors of child labour
Child labor remains a grave issue in many parts of India, despite legislative measures and efforts to combat it. Children like Ravi are forced into a life where they toil for long hours in hazardous conditions, often without proper meals or breaks. The lack of education and exposure to the outside world robs them of their childhood and the chance for a brighter future. Sahyog Care For You understands the gravity of this situation and has made it its mission to address it head-on. Through a network of dedicated individuals and partners, they identify children in distress, rescue them from exploitative environments, and provide them with the care and support they need.
Rescuing children from the abyss
One of the cornerstones of Sahyog Care For You’s work is the courageous act of rescuing children from their tormentors. These rescues often involve tense and delicate operations, as the children are held in captivity under appalling conditions. The organization’s skilled team, with the help of local authorities, carries out these missions with precision and care. Once rescued, the children are given immediate medical attention to address any health issues resulting from their ordeal. Sahyog Care For You ensures that no child is left without the necessary medical care, as many of them suffer from physical and emotional trauma.
Rehabilitation and education: a new beginning
Rescuing children is only the first step on the path to their recovery. Sahyog Care For You places great emphasis on rehabilitation and education. The children are provided with a safe and nurturing environment where they can begin the process of healing. Educational programs are an integral part of their rehabilitation. These programs help the children catch up on lost years of education and provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue their dreams. Sahyog Care For You believes that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and exploitation.
Advocating for change
In addition to its hands-on efforts, Sahyog Care For You is a vocal advocate for policy changes and increased awareness regarding child labor and bonded labor. They work tirelessly to raise awareness about the issue and lobby for stricter enforcement of laws designed to protect children. The organization believes that a multi-pronged approach is essential to eradicate child labor. By addressing the root causes, advocating for change, and providing direct assistance to affected children, Sahyog Care For You is making significant strides toward its mission.
Your support can make a difference
The work of Sahyog Care For You is undeniably impactful, but there is still much to be done. The organization’s reach and effectiveness depend on the support it receives from compassionate individuals and organizations. Your support can help extend their reach and rescue thousands of children still trapped in bonded labor in hazardous conditions. Every child deserves a childhood filled with joy, laughter, and the promise of a better future. Sahyog Care For You is committed to making this a reality for as many children as possible. With your support, they can continue their vital work and bring hope to those who need it most.
Sahyog Care For You stands as a testament to the power of compassion and determination. Shekhar Mahajan’s unwavering commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating children from the clutches of child labor and bonded labor has transformed the lives of countless young souls.
As we reflect on the harrowing experiences of children like Ravi, who endured the horrors of exploitation, we must also celebrate the triumphs of organizations like Sahyog Care For You. With collective support, this NGO in Delhi can help the children reach even greater heights in their mission to free children from the shackles of abuse and give them the childhood they deserve. To support Sahyog Care For You, you can donate here and give rescued children a hope and a bright future.
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