A Youth Leader's Quest to End Child Marriage
In a significant and inspiring initiative, a young student named Aparna Damale, from the village of Walan in the Rahuri Taluka of Ahmednagar District, has taken a brave stand against child marriage. At just 19 years old, Aparna’s determination to transform her community into a child marriage-free zone is a testament to the power of youth activism and the collective strength of community engagement.
On September 14, a powerful campaign entitled "My Village, A Child Marriage-Free Village" was launched in Walan, with the support of the Snehalaya Udaan team. This initiative is part of a broader awareness campaign aimed at addressing the prevalence of child marriage within Ahmednagar District. Aparna, inspired by her participation in a youth empowerment workshop organized by the Snehalaya and the Rotary Club of Ahmednagar, has emerged as a beacon of hope for her community.
During the launch event, Aparna expressed her unwavering resolve to end child marriage, stating, "I will not stop until my village becomes a child marriage-free village." Her commitment resonates deeply with the villagers, who were encouraged by Udaan project manager Pravin Kadam to actively participate in the movement. The event included engaging storytelling by Kadam about the detrimental impact of child marriage on girls and their families, highlighting the urgent need for community action.
The issue of child marriage in India is compounded by various social challenges, and the local police inspector, Sanjay Thenge, shed light on these pressing concerns during the event. He discussed the troubling trend of child marriages as well as the rising incidents of elopement among young girls, emphasizing that these social problems require collaborative efforts from multiple sectors, including law enforcement and civil society organisations like Snehalaya.
Aparna’s efforts are further reinforced by the active participation of local schools, teachers and community leaders. The awareness campaign included a procession through the village and street plays to educate residents about the harmful effects of child marriage. The program served as a platform for engaging young people, as well as adults, in meaningful conversations about the future of their community.
Moreover, as part of the "Anandmay Saturday" initiative, members of the Udaan team conducted various fun activities with children, emphasizing the importance of creativity, empathy and rational thinking - core values of the new national educational policy aimed at fostering holistic human development.
Aparna’s journey began with her involvement in our August youth camp, where participants were educated on the issues of child marriage and the associated challenges faced by marginalised children. This workshop not only fueled her ambition to act but also equipped her with valuable insights and strategies for community mobilisation.
Aparna, who studies Arts drew inspiration from her experiences during the workshop and took proactive steps to organise awareness programs in her village, aided by her father, who serves as a police patil. By collaborating with the child protection committee and local community groups, she initiated meaningful discussions and actions against child marriage.
Her efforts have started to resonate beyond Walan. The grassroots approach she has adopted, including involving local stakeholders has inspired many in her village. The wave of enthusiasm created by Aparna's dedicated work showcases the potential of youth leadership in driving social change.
Aparna's story is one of courage, commitment and the transformative power of youth activism. It underscores the important role young leaders play in addressing pressing social issues, and her work has already begun to influence other young people in her community. The ripple effects of her endeavors promise greater awareness and concerted efforts to eradicate child marriage, making Walan a model village for others to follow.
In conclusion, Aparna epitomizes the spirit of change. Her relentless pursuit of a child marriage-free village not only highlights the challenges faced by her community but also serves as a clarion call for action for all youth to take a stand against social injustices. May her journey inspire many more to join hands in the fight against child marriage and various societal issues, contributing to a brighter future for generations to come.
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