Launch of Himmatwale Sonu Monu

Launch Of Himmatwale Sonu Monu

On 31st August, the “Himmatwale Sonu Monu” comic book, was launched by SADRAG (Social and Development Research & Action Group). The event started with an engaging panel discussion that set the tone for a meaningful exploration of the importance of child protection and the role of different sectors in safeguarding children’s rights. The event brought together an esteemed panel of experts, including Shaonli Chakraborty, CEO of Upfront Catalyst Group; Mr. Saumya Mishra, Senior Correspondent at Hindustan Times; Dr. Rahul Kapoor, Assistant Professor at Gautam Budh University; Mr. Ravikant, Country Head of the Access to Justice Programme; Dr. Mala Bhandari, Founder of Sadrag; and Anuradha Singh, Strategic Advisor at Sadrag.

Dr. Mala Bhandari opened the discussion by addressing the alarming rise in cases of child abuse in India, noting that society often reacts only after the fact, rather than focusing on prevention. She highlighted the intersection of social, religious, and communal lines in child protection issues and emphasized the importance of early intervention and education. The comic book was created with this preventive approach, designed to be easily understood by children, who can then discuss its themes—such as marriage, sexual abuse, and the right to education—with their parents and teachers. Dr. Bhandari thanked Mamta Ji and Mr. Sushil for simplifying these complex topics for young readers. She also underscored the critical need to address topics like sexual education openly with children, correlating economic vulnerability with the prevalence of early marriages.

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Mr. Ravikant, focusing on legal interventions, stated that the Access to Justice Programme is committed to ending child marriage by 2030. He stressed the importance of strengthening the justice delivery system to ensure better implementation of laws, which currently suffer from weak enforcement. He cited the example of Rajasthan, where local Panchayats have been made accountable for preventing child marriages, and noted that similar initiatives, like the Swayam Sidha scheme in West Bengal, are crucial in creating protective ecosystems for children.

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The discussion also covered the challenges of child labor, with Mr. Ravikant pointing out the slow pace of justice even in fast-track courts, which can take up to two years to reach a verdict. Ms. Chakraborty highlighted the particular vulnerability of marginalized communities and children with special needs, stressing that with 40% of India’s population being children, the need for comprehensive welfare measures is urgent. She advocated for a collaborative approach between civil society, educational institutions, and legal systems to change mindsets and increase legal literacy.

Dr. Rahul Kapoor emphasized the role of academic institutions in child welfare interventions and suggested that the comic book could serve as an educational tool in settings like juvenile and adult prisons. Mr. Saumya Mishra discussed the media’s role in raising awareness about child protection issues, noting that systematic coverage in print media can help keep these issues in the public eye.

The panelists agreed that the comic book would serve as both an educational resource and an advocacy tool, raising awareness and sensitizing communities about child welfare. Dr. Antara Verma, a child counselor, stressed the importance of encouraging children to open up to their guardians, while a suggestion from Mr. Sunil to adapt the comic for radio broadcasts highlighted the potential for broadening its reach.

The event concluded with the official launch of the comic book, followed by a craft session for the children in attendance, creating an engaging and educational experience for all participants.

Social and Development Research & Action Group

Launch of Himmatwale Sonu Monu