Society holds the primary responsibility for combating child exploitation, stated Dr. C.T. Aravindakumar, Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, while inaugurating the international practicum on child rights laws at the Casa Maria Centre, Peroor, Kottayam.
“The vigilance we exercise today will serve as a protective shield for children tomorrow. Given the growing challenges to child safety, equipping teachers with comprehensive knowledge of child rights is crucial,” Dr. Aravindakumar emphasised.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Metropolitan of the Mavelikkara Diocese of the Malankara Church, stressed the need to strengthen existing laws to curb child exploitation. He called for robust child protection committees at multiple levels and better coordination between government departments and agencies. He also highlighted the importance of leveraging modern technology for awareness initiatives.
Dr. J.V. Asha, Head of the School of Pedagogical Sciences at Mahatma Gandhi University, presided over the event. Dr. Jean Elizabeth Dee Waters from Clarkson University, New York, addressed the gathering virtually.
Dr. Sibu G. Netto, Secretary of the Organising Committee; V.G. Mohan, President of Kanjikuzhy Block Panchayat, Alappuzha; Dr. Girish K. Pillai, Principal of Mar Ivanios College, Chengannur; Prof. Sajna Jaleel; Dr. K.V. Mohammed; and Dr. S. Smitha also addressed the gathering.
The practicum, jointly organised by the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Chair for Studies on National Integration of the School of Pedagogical Sciences at Mahatma Gandhi University, the Child Rights Centre, Mar Ivanios Law College, Chengannur, the Centre for Research in Child Rights and Development, and Kanjikuzhy Block Panchayat, will conclude on 28 March.
