By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

Chhotaudepur, February 23, 2026: The concluding ceremony of the Child Marriage Eradication Awareness Rath, which had toured various villages of Chhotaudepur district over the past 15 days, was held today at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Law College, Chhotaudepur, under the chairmanship of former Union Minister of State for Railways Shri Naranbhai Rathwa. The awareness initiative was organised by DISHA Don Bosco, Kawant.

 The programme witnessed the presence of Trustee of Narayan Law College Shri Naranbhai Rathwa, the Principal of the College, Director of DISHA Don Bosco Kawant Father Dr Mayank Parmar, District Social Security Officer Shri Amarabhai Kachhiya, District Child Protection Officer Shri Ravidasbhai Rathwa, District Jailor Shri D.K. Parmar, representative of the District Legal Services Authority Shri Bharatbhai Patel, Programme Officer of DRISTI Don Bosco Kapadvanj Shri Shailesh Parmar, and Programme Officer of DISHA Don Bosco Kawant Shri Hasmukh Christian.

 Students of Law and GNM Colleges as well as Paralegal Volunteers attended in large numbers.

The programme commenced with an oral report by Shri Hasmukh Christian, who informed that the Awareness Rath was flagged off on February 7, 2026 with the objective of spreading awareness against child marriage across different talukas of the district. During its 15-day campaign, the Rath covered 71 villages, including 19 villages in Kawant taluka, 13 in Pavi Jetpur taluka, 38 in Chhotaudepur taluka and 1 village in Bodeli taluka. The campaign reached approximately two lakh people comprising students, youth and villagers.

 In his address, Father Dr Mayank Parmar highlighted the organisation’s commitment towards social upliftment and its resolve to eradicate social evils. The District Child Protection Officer and District Social Security Officer provided an overview of various Government initiatives being implemented through their respective departments. The District Jailor emphasised the importance of social awareness and collective responsibility in curbing harmful practices.

The Programme Officer of DRISTI Don Bosco Kapadvanj focused on the need to strengthen understanding and acceptance of legal provisions relating to child protection. In his presidential address, Shri Naranbhai Rathwa underscored the Government’s continued efforts to eliminate social evils and called upon citizens, especially youth, to actively support initiatives aimed at preventing child marriage and promoting education and social reform.

 The programme was compered by Shri Makrani, while coordination was undertaken by Shri Dinesh Parmar and Shri Jagdishbhai Rohit of DISHA Don Bosco Kawant. The event concluded with the National Anthem.