By Ms. Namrata Goddeti for BIS Mumbai

On August 5, 2026, Don Bosco School and Junior College, Nashik, under the guidance of Principal Fr Rixson Nigrel sdb, organized an informative and empowering awareness seminar for the girls of Grades VIII to X. The session was conducted by Dr Purva Bhosale, Medical Administrator at Six Sigma Hospital, Nashik, who is dedicated to promoting the health, safety, and well-being of children and families.

The seminar aimed to educate students about adolescent health, personal safety, legal awareness, and responsible behaviour. Dr. Bhosale began by introducing the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, explaining its purpose of safeguarding every child from sexual offences and ensuring that children grow in a safe, secure, and respectful environment. She highlighted that the Act protects the rights, dignity, and well-being of every child while encouraging students to report any form of abuse or harassment without fear.

The session provided valuable insights into recognising inappropriate physical, verbal, non-verbal, and online behaviour. Students were guided on the importance of respecting personal boundaries, maintaining healthy friendships, and practising responsible communication both offline and online. Dr. Bhosale also emphasized cyber safety, cautioning students against sharing personal information, inappropriate messages, images, or videos, and explained the risks associated with cyberbullying, impersonation, and online exploitation.

A significant part of the seminar focused on the legal responsibilities of students and the consequences of misconduct. Dr. Bhosale explained that offences involving children may be dealt with under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and discussed the role of the Juvenile Justice Board, counselling, rehabilitation, and school-level disciplinary measures. She also stressed that while the POCSO Act exists to protect children, it should never be misused. Students were encouraged to speak truthfully and responsibly, understanding that false allegations or misleading authorities can have serious legal, educational, and personal consequences.

The session was built around the Four Pillars—Respect, Responsibility, Dignity, and Self-Protection. Students were encouraged to respect themselves and others, take responsibility for their actions, uphold the dignity of every individual, and protect themselves by recognising unsafe situations and seeking help from trusted adults whenever necessary.

An engaging interactive discussion allowed students to clarify their doubts in a safe and supportive environment. The seminar concluded with a strong message that awareness, honesty, empathy, and responsible behaviour are essential in creating a secure and caring society.