Over the years, I have had the privilege of visiting numerous child care institutions across India and interacting with children from diverse backgrounds. During one such interaction with a group of older children, I asked them what support would help them prepare for their future. Most spoke about education, jobs, vocational training, financial independence and some more comforts.
Then a quiet boy spoke. After a brief pause, he said, “I want to spend some time reflecting on myself. I need more focus and concentration.”
His response touched everyone present. He was not asking for money, employment, or material assistance. Instead, he sought something deeper—the opportunity to understand himself better, heal from past experiences, and prepare emotionally for adulthood.
His words reflected remarkable maturity, self-awareness, and emotional strength. They reminded us that rehabilitation is not only about providing education or livelihoods; it is also about helping children discover their identity, build resilience, and develop the confidence to shape their own future.
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Dr. Jagannath Pati
Dr. Jagannath Pati is a distinguished child protection expert and public policy leader with over 25 years of experience in strengthening India’s child welfare ecosystem. A former Director (Programme) at CARA and Registrar at NCPCR, he has led transformative initiatives in adoption, foster care, and digital governance, including the pioneering CARINGS platform. His work focuses on family-based care, ethical practices, and child rights. A Senior Fulbright–Nehru Fellow and author of Every Child Deserves a Loving Family, he continues to shape policy, research, and practice for vulnerable children in India and beyond.
Safe Childhood India 
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