By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

Gandhinagar, Gujarat: The Gujarat State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR), in collaboration with the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Government of Gujarat, organized the State-Level Child Protection Sankalp Sammelan 2026 on October 27, 2026 at Town Hall, Sector-17, Gandhinagar. The Sammelan aimed to strengthen child protection mechanisms and renew the collective commitment to making Gujarat a child marriage-free state while ensuring the safety, dignity and rights of every child. The programme was organized in coordination with Just Right for Children (JRC), along with its partner organization, DRISTI – Don Bosco in Gujarat.

The Sammelan was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Pradyuman Vaja, Hon’ble Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of Gujarat; Smt. Manishaben Vakil, Hon’ble Minister of State for Women and Child Development; Smt. Dharmisthaben Gajjar, Chairperson of GSCPCR; Shri D. D. Kapadia, IAS (Retd.), Secretary of GSCPCR; Shri Harshad Patel, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment Department; Smt. Reenaben Choudhary, Director, Directorate of Social Defence; Mr Ravikant, Country Head of Just Right for Children; and Ms Indurani Singh, Executive Director of Prayas JAC Society.

A total of 1,485 stakeholders from across Gujarat participated in the Sammelan. They represented voluntary organizations, district social defence offices, District Child Protection Units, police departments, Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Childline services and Child Care Institutions (CCIs). Their participation reflected the importance of coordinated efforts among government departments, civil society organizations and child protection institutions.

One of the major highlights of the event was the flagging off of the “Bal Vivah Mukt Gujarat Rath” (Child Marriage-Free Gujarat Chariot). The initiative aims to spread awareness across the state and mobilize communities to prevent child marriage. The dignitaries addressed the gathering and administered a collective pledge to work towards making Gujarat a child marriage-free state.

The Sammelan also recognized individuals and children who have made significant contributions to child protection. Bal Mitras were felicitated for their outstanding service in safeguarding children's rights, while children who had received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar were honoured for their achievements.

Representing DRISTI – Don Bosco in Gujarat, Fr Pratap, Director of DRISTI, addressed the Just Right for Children team and encouraged its members to pursue the shared mission with commitment, dedication and sincerity. He emphasized the importance of working together to achieve the goals of child protection and ensuring that every child enjoys a safe and dignified childhood.

On the occasion, Shailesh, Coordinator of DRISTI, was felicitated by GSCPCR in recognition of his dedication and contribution to child protection initiatives. The recognition was an encouragement to continue working towards the welfare and protection of children.

The Sammelan concluded with a renewed collective Sankalp (resolve) to strengthen child protection systems throughout Gujarat. The event reaffirmed the shared responsibility of government agencies, NGOs, communities and citizens to protect children from child labour, child marriage and other forms of exploitation, and to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, supportive and protective environment.

Through its participation and continued commitment, DRISTI – Don Bosco in Gujarat remains dedicated to promoting children's rights and contributing to a society where every child is protected, valued and given the opportunity to flourish.