New Delhi, Jan 14 (UNI) In extension to its goal of creating a child-friendly world, Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation, founded by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, has pledged to establish a Child Friendly Kumbh Mela 2019, by extending support to the government.
The Foundation has mobilised hundreds of volunteers for providing value support to the authorities to track the cases of lost and found children in Mela.
These barefoot volunteers will be referring the cases of all lost and found children to the centers established by the administration.


In relation to this development, Bidhan Chandra Singh, Executive Director, Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation (KSCF) said, “As per sources approximately 2.75 lakh people were reported missing in the Maha-Kumbh Mela in 2013. This year, several steps have been taken to fortify security and safety measures for the protection of the pilgrims especially children.”
“KSCF has extended support to the government through a multi-pronged intervention in order to facilitate a safe and secure pilgrimage to the visitors. The team of volunteers that will be deployed in and around the stall in Mela premises will not only trace the cases of lost and found individuals but also disseminate information on child related issues,” Mr Singh said.
“Volunteers will also engage people and inspire them to take the 100 million pledges as part of a campaign founded by Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, which calls for a world where young people are free, safe and educated. The 100 Million campaign aims to give every supporter the opportunity to become a change maker by raising their voices against child exploitation,” he said.

Additionally, Mukti Caravan, a grassroot campaign on wheels, will move in and around Prayagraj to generate awareness among masses on child trafficking, child abuse and child labour.
It will also act as an additional safety net, striving to prevent inter and intra-state trafficking from the Mela.
“Mukti Caravan is a nationwide campaign that has been mobilising people on the issues of child trafficking and child labor over the years. The re-launch of this campaign in and around Prayagraj aims to put a stop to these crimes by ensuring that people are aware of the preventive procedures in place to combat child trafficking, child abuse and child labour,” he added.

Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation appeals to the pilgrims to be extra cautious of these exploitative forces that pose a threat to children and to be proactive in reporting of any such suspicious activities at the Mela.
The Foundation further appeals to the pilgrims to reach out to the toll-free number 1920 for any kind of support during their pilgrimage to the Mela.
UNI PY ADG 1924