Highlights of July 2011 Issue of One India One People

OIOP July 2011

Caring For Our Future

We often say that Children are Our Future. But is the society doing enough to ensure that our children have a happy and safe childhood? It is shocking to read media reports of children being abused and exploited at remand homes, orphanages; humiliated and punished in schools, abused at home; molested and raped by law enforcers; children growing up on streets without anyone to care or being forced to work to feed the family when they should be in school. All these cases of atrocities point out that not enough is being done for children`s care and welfare in our country. Although there are legislations to guard the rights of children, these need better implementation. A country which dreams of being a superpower cannot afford to neglect its children. It will have to address all pressing issues on a war footing for a better future of the children, as well as the country.

CJ George

In the lead article ‘Promises to Keep’, activist C. J. George says that despite a number of positive steps to ensure the rights of the child, we fall short of protecting these rights. He puts this issue before the government and the society and emphasizes the need to address this issue urgently.

Payal Shah Karwa

Arif Kapadia

In ‘Lost Childhood’, Payal Shah Karwa, an independent writer and entrepreneur writes that the recent stories of exploitation of children in remand homes and orphanages point to the larger issues of child abuse. Children are no longer safe even in the confines of their homes.  She urges the government and civil society to come together to put an end to this growing menace.

In ‘Children of a lesser God’ Arif Kapadia who works with NGO Saathi for the rights of children and youths living on the streets,  points out, that children land up on the streets because of various socio-economic reasons, and they languish there for life. This can be averted if there is strong political will and determination on the part of the government to look beyond electoral politics.   
Kailash Satyarthi, founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan, founding President of Global Campaign for Education and Chairperson of Global March Against Child Labour writes that child labour endangers the child’s present and future. He adds that India has tremendous potential and possibilities to eradicate child labour only if a concerted and integrated approach is adopted backed by genuine political will.   

Kailash Satyarthi

 ‘In a case for juveniles’ advocate Maharukh Adenwalla, who closely work with the juvenile justice system opines that children who commit an offence require protection as their act is a result of their immaturity. The competent authorities under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000 therefore have  a daunting task of rehabilitating these children to ensure that they enjoy the same opportunities as others, she notes.

Dr. Harish Shetty

Vividisha Chaitanya

                                                                         

Commenting on the race to produce child prodigies, eminent psychiatrist Dr. Harish Shetty,  says that curiosity and compassion create child prodigies, and not unmindful competition. He emphasises the role of parents, teachers and the society in igniting these qualities in children.

Vividisha Chaitanya, chief Editor, Balvihar magazine,  observes that children’s literature can be a major influence in inculcating right values in children and teaching them about our culture, so that they grow to be rooted and strong while facing the various ups and down in their life.  

Deepa Gahlot

                                                                                                                
Noted paediatrician Dr. R. K. Anand gives us tips on good parenting and shares his prescription for a healthy and happy family.

Dr. R. K. Anand

Eminent film and theatre critic Deepa Gahlot writes that when it comes to quality entertainment for children, the choices are few and far. But theatre for children in India, holds enough promise to nurture their creative talent. 

Children are now the little ‘big’ customers, where every marketing campaign is made with them as the target. It is a war between marketers and the family, where the former are using their resources to entice children and the latter is using its values to protect children. We hope the family wins, say Dr. Ritu Bhattacharya and Dr. Sangita Kohli.     

Film Maker , Writer, Thinker and Actor Amol Gupte

  Sriprakash Menon brings us face to face with film maker, writer, actor and thinker Amol Gupte, who shot to fame with the sensitive children`s film ‘Taare Zameen Par’ as its writer and creative director. His recent film ‘Stanley ka Dabba’ too received huge applause from the audience as well as critics..He speaks about his movies, children and society.

 Katie Dubey

 Know India Better  features the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve on the border of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, a nature lover’s paradise, with rich flora and fauna and vast grasslands.  The reserve is well worth a visit while it is still forested and one is able to feel a chill go up the spine as the tiger stealthily moves through the grass or when the Gaur, all 100 tons of him, stops grazing and looks you straight in the eye as you raise your camera as Katie Dubey experienced.

Great Indians:

Kakasaheb Gadgil

Kakasaheb Gadgil                      

The champion of progressive causes (1896-1966)

A great nationalist, an astute parliamentarian and  educationist   Narhar Vishnu Gadgil, affectionately called as Kakasaheb, was in the forefront of national liberation movement of India under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. He was one of the prominent leaders engaged in rebuilding the nation after independence.

Lt General Sagat Singh PVSM

Lt General Sagat Singh PVSM

A soldier’s soldier (1919-2001)

Bold and aggresive, he exploited the opportunity at Chandpur and
forged a heli-bridge across River Meghna which led to an early victory.
He could say with Nelson "Wherever, there is anything to be done,
then Providence is sure to direct me there."

Fateh Singh Rathore   

Fateh Singh Rathore

The Tiger Man (1938-2011)

 Fateh Singh Rathore’s efforts to save the dwindling population of tigers in India are legendary. Bittu Sahgal pens an emotional note to his dear friend who influenced most of his attitudes to tigers.