By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

A district-level workshop on the theme “Stop Child Marriage” was held on January 21, 2026, at Lok Seva Kendra, Don Bosco, Chhotaudepur. The programme was organized by DISHA Don Bosco, Kawant, in collaboration with the Samaj Suraksha Vibhag, Chhotaudepur. The workshop brought together more than 40 stakeholders who are directly or indirectly involved in marriage ceremonies, including representatives from faraskhana services, pandal teams, cooks, jewellers, shopkeepers, bands, DJs, and related service providers.

The workshop was conducted as part of the “Child Marriage Free India – 100 Days Campaign”, an initiative of Just Rights for Children. DISHA Don Bosco, Kawant, is actively leading the campaign in Chhotaudepur District, Gujarat, with the objective of creating awareness at the grassroots level and ensuring collective responsibility in preventing child marriage.

The programme was enriched by the presence of several eminent dignitaries. Among them were Mr Jayeshkumar D. Solanki, Judge of the Chhotaudepur District Legal Services Authority; the Social Protection Officer and District Child Protection Officer; Mr Shailesh Parmar, Programme Officer of DRISTI, Kapadwanj; and Br Melvyn Carvalho, SDB, Director of DISHA Don Bosco, Kawant.

The workshop began with a prayer service, followed by the reading of the Preamble of the Constitution of India, reminding the participants of their constitutional duties and responsibilities. Br Melvyn Carvalho formally welcomed the dignitaries and participants and briefly explained the purpose and importance of the workshop. Mr Hasmukh Christian, Programme Officer, presented an overview of the various social interventions carried out by DISHA Don Bosco in the district, with special emphasis on its sustained efforts to prevent child marriage and protect children’s rights.

As the chief guest, Mr Jayeshkumar Solanki explained the legal implications and consequences of child marriage, highlighting the responsibilities of citizens and service providers under the law. The District Child Protection Officer elaborated on various government schemes and support systems available for the protection and welfare of minors. He also explained the importance of reporting child marriage and shared key emergency and child protection helpline numbers, including 108, 181, 1098, and 112.

Mr Shailesh Parmar, the main resource person, delivered a comprehensive presentation using a PowerPoint presentation, explaining the social, physical, psychological, and legal impacts of child marriage on children and society. A video documentary was screened to reinforce the message, followed by group discussions, which encouraged active participation and reflection.

The workshop concluded with all participants taking a collective pledge to refuse services for child marriages and to report any suspected cases, thereby committing themselves to be responsible partners in the mission to make Chhotaudepur District free from child marriage.