By Ashwin Macwan SDB for BIS Mumbai

A remarkable gathering of more than 677 women from 45 villages took place at DRISTI – Don Bosco, Kapadvanj to celebrate International Women’s Day and to mark the successful conclusion of the 100-Day Child Marriage Free India Campaign. Organized jointly by DRISTI – Don Bosco, PRAYAS Organization, and the Social Defence Office of Kheda, the event highlighted the urgent need to eliminate child marriage, recognized as a serious social evil affecting the lives and future of young girls.

 The program was graced by several distinguished guests and leaders from government and civil society. The Chief Guest, Hon. Member of Parliament Mr Devusinh Chauhan, addressed the gathering with an inspiring message, encouraging mothers and community leaders to protect the dignity and future of young girls by firmly rejecting child marriage.

 The event also welcomed Mrs Dharmishthaben Gajjar, Chairperson of the State Child Rights Protection Commission, Gujarat, as Guest of Honour. In her address, she called upon women to take leadership at the grassroots level in preventing child marriage and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to study and build a secure future.

 Other notable dignitaries included Dr D. D. Kapadia (Retired IAS Officer), Mrs Snehal Roy (Executive Engineer, Water Supply Board), Mr L. G. Bharvad (Social Defence Officer, Kheda), Mr Mahesh Patel (District Child Protection Officer), Mr J. K. Parmar (Kapadvanj Taluka Pramukh), and Mr Indrajeet Chauhan (State Coordinator, PRAYAS). Local women leaders Mrs Manharben, Sarpanch of Mirapura, and Mrs Sushilaben, Sarpanch of Bapujina Muvada, were also present.

 The program began with a warm welcome by Fr Pratap Damor, Director, DRISTI Don Bosco who officially inaugurated the gathering. Mr Indrajeet Chauhan presented a report on the campaign activities, highlighting the impact of the Awareness Rath, which travelled through villages during the final 15 days of the campaign to spread awareness against child marriage. Mr Shailesh coordinated the introduction and felicitation of the dignitaries. One of the most significant moments of the program was when all participants collectively took a pledge committing themselves to never support or participate in child marriage in any form.

 The event also focused on women’s empowerment and education. Interest payments were distributed to eight Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to promote women’s economic independence. In addition, scholarships were awarded to outstanding girls from Gadiara village studying in Standards 5, 6, and 8 to encourage continued education.

 Cultural performances added vibrant energy to the celebration. Women from five villages presented Garba, prayer dances, and role plays highlighting the importance of girls’ education and the dangers of child marriage. The A2J team staged a powerful drama illustrating the legal and social consequences of child marriage.

 The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Sanjay Parmar, leaving the participants inspired and committed to building a child marriage-free society. The program successfully strengthened collaboration between government authorities, social organizations, and rural communities in safeguarding the rights and future of young girls.