UTSAH Child Rights Org

Like many other compassionate young changemaker driven by a deep concern for inequality and injustice, I embarked on a mission to enact positive change. With the invaluable guidance of my mentors, the late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and the late Dr. Indira Raisom Goswami, I returned to my roots in Assam after completing my education at St. Stephen's College in New Delhi. Travelling extensively throughout Assam allowed me to gain insight into the myriad challenges faced by the people of my State, leading me to a profound realization - that the most vulnerable members of our society are its children. Motivated by this realization, I initiated a community-based child protection programme in a makeshift settlement in Guwahati, where I conducted regular educational workshops on child rights for the 120 children residing in the community back in 2011. 

In March 2013, while deeply involved in community work, I encountered a distressing case involving the sexual abuse of a 6-year-old girl by a 45-year-old man within the community. Witnessing the harsh and insensitive response of the police towards the child, I was compelled to intervene. Despite facing obstacles, I persevered in ensuring that the complaint was registered and the perpetrator was apprehended. However, the emotional toll of the ordeal left me shattered. Drawing from my own experience as a survivor of child sexual abuse, I empathized with the pain endured by the young victim. Driven by the determination to seek justice, I delved into research late into the night, uncovering the protective mechanisms available for children subjected to such atrocities. It was during this pursuit that I stumbled upon a legal gem - the POCSO Act, a recent addition to Indian legislation designed to not only impose stringent penalties on offenders but also provide unprecedented procedural safeguards for victims. Complemented by the Juvenile Justice Act, this law formed a formidable shield for vulnerable children. Equipped with a comprehensive understanding of these legal provisions, I educated the Investigating Officer on the intricacies of the new laws, which he was previously unaware of. This newfound knowledge catalyzed a thorough and meticulous investigation, ensuring that justice was served with the utmost care and diligence. 

Throughout the trial proceedings, I engaged in in-depth consultations with the Public Prosecutor and the Judge, shedding light on the nuances of the new legislation that enabled the child to provide testimony in a safe and supportive environment. After two years of unwavering dedication, our efforts culminated in a landmark conviction - marking the first successful prosecution under the POCSO Act in Assam. Following the issuance of the judgment, I found myself inundated with  case referrals from various communities and children's homes, all seeking assistance in advancing stalled cases and securing justice for vulnerable children. This pivotal moment heralded the inception of our transformative POCSO Centre initiative and my role as a Support Person in Assam. Subsequently, I was formally appointed as a Support Person for the Kamrup Metro District by the Child Welfare Committee.

In addition to my direct work with children, I initiated a series of comprehensive training programs for law enforcement personnel, encompassing not only laws pertaining to victims of violence but also the broader spectrum of child rights-compliant policing. Recognizing the pivotal role of the police as the primary interface between children and the intricate justice system, I was steadfast in my conviction that a proactive and well-trained police force could significantly influence the trajectory of cases involving children. Motivated by this belief, I embarked on a statewide journey, organizing targeted training sessions for police officers across various regions of the State. By equipping law enforcement with the necessary knowledge and skills, I aimed to foster a culture of empathy, competence, and responsiveness within the police force, ultimately enhancing the outcomes of cases involving children in need of protection and justice. 

However, in 2017, while returning from a late-night dinner, I received distressing news of a tragic incident involving the death of a 13-year-old child due to police brutality in Guwahati city. The child had been accused of sweet cookies from a local Kirana store, a minor offense that escalated into a devastating loss of life. Overwhelmed with grief upon witnessing the lifeless body of the child at the Guwahati Medical College Hospital, I felt compelled to amplify the injustice by sharing the heartbreaking story on social media. The widespread dissemination of this harrowing tale caught the attention of prominent newspapers such as the Assam Tribune and The Telegraph, propelling the narrative to the forefront of public consciousness. Subsequently, the Gauhati High Court took cognizance of the matter and initiated a suo moto case, ultimately leading to the arrest of the three police officials responsible for the tragic death of the child due to the use of excessive force. This pivotal turn of events underscored the power of collective advocacy and the unwavering commitment to seeking accountability and justice for the most vulnerable members of society.  

While basking in the victory of securing justice for the deceased child and sharing a moment of solace with the grieving grandmother, a profound sense of disappointment lingered within me. The realization that despite years of dedicated training efforts, instances of police misconduct persisted served as a stark reminder of the uphill battle ahead. Driven by a renewed sense of purpose, I embarked on a period of introspection, culminating in a pivotal meeting with the Director General of Police, Mr. Mukesh Sahay. Presenting a comprehensive blueprint of transformative initiatives aimed at reshaping the police force and fostering a culture of compassion towards children, I sought to initiate systemic change from within the police system. Mr. Mukesh Sahay wasted no time in redirecting me to an Additional Director General of Police, a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience garnered from diverse postings in New Delhi, Srinagar, and Moscow. This encounter marked the beginning of a collaborative journey towards reimagining law enforcement practices and championing the rights of children within the realm of policing. 

Stepping into his office, I embarked on a spirited discussion with Mr. Harmeet Singh, a compassionate and resolute Police Officer whose commanding Punjabi voice resonated with authority. In a moment of profound insight, he urged me to go beyond incremental changes and instead craft a holistic and far-reaching program that would revolutionize the landscape of law enforcement practices vis-a-vis children. Emphasizing the importance of sustained partnership and unwavering dedication, Mr. Singh envisioned my role not merely as an external resource person but as an integral collaborator in the transformative journey ahead. Recognizing the value of my expertise and deep commitment, he laid the foundation for what would evolve into the Assam Police Sishu Mitra Programme in the year 2019. This groundbreaking initiative is poised to redefine the ethos of the Assam Police force, instilling a culture of child rights compliance and ushering in a new era of accountability and empathy within law enforcement. 

Fully invested as a key partner in the Assam Police Sishu Mitra Programme, I came to a realization that the protection of child rights necessitated a sustainable framework, one that went beyond individual efforts and endured over time. Acknowledging the transient nature of individual human involvement, I recognized the imperative of fortifying the child protection system itself to ensure lasting impact. In pursuit of this vision, our organization embraced a 'system transformation approach', a strategic framework designed to cultivate enduring change within the child protection ecosystem. Through ongoing engagement with duty bearers across the system, we endeavor to cultivate empathy, impart knowledge, and provide continuous support, all aimed at fostering a culture of compliance with child protection laws and fostering positive experiences for children navigating the system. By prioritizing system-wide transformation, we aspire to create a nurturing and supportive environment that upholds the rights and well-being of every child who interacts with the system, ensuring a legacy of lasting impact and positive change. 

In collaboration with UNICEF, our partner since 2018, my dedicated team and I are actively engaged in a collective effort to actualize a fundamental objective: to translate child protection from mere rhetoric into tangible realities that shape the lived experiences of every vulnerable child and survivor of violence. Recently, DASRA has also extended a supportive hand, bolstering our endeavors to safeguard the well-being of children in Assam through their Rebuild India Fund. 

Grounded in the unwavering principles of authenticity and integrity, we remain resolute in our conviction that by prioritizing the needs of children and staying true to our mission, we will continue to attract like-minded partners who share our vision of realizing tangible and sustainable child protection outcomes. As we forge ahead on this transformative journey, our ultimate goal remains clear: to make child protection not just an aspiration, but a lived reality for every child. 

Guwahati | Assam | Northeast INDIA

In July 2014, 15-year-old Rani (name changed) was sexually assaulted by her employer's son. As she escaped from her employer's house on night, she was rescued from the street by Assamese singer Zubin Garg. 

It was only in 2016 that this case was referred to us by the Children's Home in which Rani was staying, post rescue. 

The case papers revealed that the FIR had been registered in August 2014. The chargesheet in this case was filed in 2014. However, till 2016, the trial had not begun 

As we took over the process, we realised that the accused party used all their influence to make papers disappear from the Court and to threaten witnesses. 

We worked closely with the Special Public Prosecutor to ensure that the case was listed and fast tracked. 

The defence lawyer of the accused threatened us  outside the Sessions court  :"Do whatever you can. My client will get away easily."

Navigating the labyrinthine maze of the judiciary, the case was listed and finally the trial was rolled out in November 2016.

Within one year seven months, the accused was convicted to 7 years of Rigorous Imprisonment. 

FIR No 454/2014 | Guwahati

In August 2020, we got a call from a woman who was working as a domestic help in a household in New Delhi.  She had left behind her 3-year old daughter Nina (name changed) along with her father back in Assam.

According to her, baby Nina had been raped in their village which was located in a remote border area near Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.

She informed that her child was grievously injured for a few days and may lose her life; and that the village headman conspired to protect the perpetrator who was an 80-year old man from the village.

We immediately asked her to provide documents, through which we could figure out the location of the village.

We informed the District Child Protection Officer and the  Officer-In-Charge of the local police station to immediately reach the spot. 

We also informed the District Programme Manager of the National Health Mission Office to arrange for an ambulance to reach the location. 

In the meantime, we also contacted the Superintendent of the District Civil Hospital in Tezpur, who readied a special cabin and a team of doctors who could tend to baby Nina as soon as she reaches the hospital. 

Baby Nina who's sexual organs were grievously injured, was finally shifted to the hospital; and after a month of specialized treatment baby Nina could return to normalcy.

FIR No 535/2020 | Sonitpur

In this case, a 6-year old girl child named Naina (name changed) was sexually assaulted by her 45-year old neighbour.  

Naina's mother, who was widowed few years back, works as a cleaner in a local Government hospital; who was determined to fight for justice for her child.

After we were appointed as Support Person, the mother requested us for assistance in filing for Interim Compensation. She wanted her child to be put into a good residential school so that she could be away from the  accused and his family. She needed the compensation money to support the education of her child. 

We drafted a letter and submitted it to the Special Court. We regularly followed up with the Special Court on the progress.

 Thereafter, the Special Court ordered an Interim Compensation of INR 1,50,000.

 We helped Naina open a bank account and also accompanied her for the hearing for compensation at the District Legal Service Authority.

FIR No 496/2018 | Guwahati 

In July 2022, a child sexual abuse cases was referred to us by the Child Welfare Committee.  

In this case, the victim Pinky (name changed) was 14-year-old and was one month pregnant as a result of sexual assault.  

Pinky desired to abort the child. 

We contacted the District Child Protection Officer and helped her connect with the Superintendent of the Guwahati medical College Hospital. 

Pinky had no natural guardian and therefore there was a bottleneck in getting consent for Medical Termination of Pregnancy, as the law clearly stated that for termination of pregnancy of a minor required the consent of a guardian. This legal requirement stalled the process.

We immediately intervened and informed the Child Welfare Committee that they could appoint another person as a guardian to Pinky, who would be able to provide legal consent for termination of pregnancy. 

Upon our recommendation, the Child Welfare Committee appointed Pinky's aunt as a guardian, who finally provided the consent.

Pinky's abortion process was then carried out smoothly.

Fir No 28_/2022 | Guwahati