November 14 is celebrated as Children’s Day in India to mark the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, fondly remembered as ‘Chacha Nehru’. The occasion highlights children’s rights, quality education and protection from abuse and exploitation. This year, however, Children’s Day comes amid public outrage over reports of sexual assaults on two four-year-old girls in Goa within days of each other. Young children are particularly vulnerable and depend on adults for their safety and protection. While governments repeatedly promote ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, we must ask whether its spirit is being upheld. Child protection is a collective responsibility involving parents, teachers, neighbours, institutions, society and the government, which must strengthen safeguards. These incidents should prompt serious introspection. Children are not merely our future but our responsibility today. Protecting childhood is a sacred duty; failing to do so means failing our children, society and future generations.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
