Safe Childhood India

Introduction The twenty-first century is characterised by remarkable advances in science, technology, and global connectivity. At the same time, it faces growing challenges arising from violent conflict, social polarisation, discrimination, extremism, misinformation, and the rapid spread of hate through digital platforms. These realities demonstrate that education must extend beyond preparing…

Childhood is not merely a stage of life; it is the foundation on which the entire future of a human being rests. Modern neuroscience confirms that the first few years of life are a period of extraordinary brain development, during which experiences shape the architecture of the developing brain. By…

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,…

In India, the statutory process for adopting a young child with a normal health status frequently entails a waiting period of three to four years. Prospective adoptive parents may therefore approach this process with sustained patience, psychological preparedness, and a disposition of genuine openness. It is important to recognise that…

What makes someone a sibling? Blood — or the years of shared life, shared meals, and shared tears that no law fully captures? In Lakshmi Kant Pandey v. Union of India, the Supreme Court of India in the year 1984 made an observation that remains strikingly progressive even today: “Brothers…

Bombay High Court Upholds Adoption Orders by District Magistrates under the Juvenile Justice Amendment Act, 2021 (Order of the Court dtd 4.5.2026) One of the most significant reforms introduced through the 2021 amendment to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, was the transfer of authority for…

It was truly meaningful to visit the Nandamma Moses Charitable Trust in Visakhapatnam and witness quiet yet powerful work being done with strong community support. Established in 2006, the Trust provides medical care and compassionate support to underprivileged children and patients suffering from TB, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic conditions.…

No two children arrive at the same place at the same time. Many carry invisible wounds—grief, fear, and silence shaped by neglect, loss, or trauma. Under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, such children are recognised as being in need of care and protection, and the…

I have visited several child care institutions across the country and have seen a wide spectrum—from well-resourced to modest setups—all striving to serve children in need of care and protection. Not all CCIs receive government grants, yet many continue through community support, individual generosity, and a shared sense of trust…

In today’s increasingly complex world, older children—especially those in schools and child care institutions (CCIs)—are navigating stress, emotional challenges, and uncertainty at an early age. We often focus on academic outcomes, but are we equally investing in their inner well-being?The Global Conference of Meditation Leaders, held recently in New Delhi,…

Openness in adoption evolves through a complex interaction of individual experiences, relationships, and the wider system in which adoption takes place. At the individual level, an adoptee’s stage of development, curiosity about identity, and emotional readiness influence the desire for information or contact. Adoptive parents’ sense of security and understanding…

Meditation offers significant benefits for children by supporting their emotional, cognitive, and social development holistically. It helps children become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, enabling better emotional regulation. Simple practices such as deep breathing and mindfulness can reduce anxiety, aggression, and stress, which is particularly important for children…