Richard D'Souza

Udupi, Nov 17: "Child is the root of the society. Just as we take care of a plant, the period of childhood also requires a particular attention and protection as well," said Dr Kripa Alva, chairperson, State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Karnataka.

She was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the state-level conference on 'Child Protection – A need and opportunity' held at the Silver Jubilee Hall of Milagres College, Kallianpur, organized by Milagres College postgraduate department of social work in collaboration with UNICEF and Shanthi Sandesha Trust, Mangaluru on Monday November 16.

"We need child rights to let human beings live with dignity. We need legal legislation to protect children. Child protection must be ensured by the parents and community. Parents must have competency, knowledge and motivation to provide effective protection for children. They must identify and react against possible cases of discrimination, neglect or mistreatment," Kripa Alva said.

"Every child needs sufficient education and hence most of the problems of childhood can be solved through education. The problems of child labour, child marriage and other major problems can be solved through sufficient education as well. It is the responsibility of the parents and communities to provide proper education. The society should know children’s rights to life, education, health, food, freedom, protection etc. The protection of child starts from the mother’s womb. The child is not safe even in a mother’s womb. The percentage of ratio of women to men has decreased, which is concern to the society," she said.

Fr Lawrence C D’Souza, secretary of Catholic Board of Education Society, Udupi diocese presided over the occasion. Sonykutty George, child protection specialist, UNICEF, Hyderabad, Nagajyothi, president of Juvenile Justice Board and chief judicial magistrate, Udupi, Gracy Gonsalves, deputy director of department of women and child development, Udupi, Fr Stany B Lobo, correspondent of Milagres Educational Institutions, Kallianpur, Sr Clara Menezes, member of Shanthi Sandesha Trust, Mangaluru, Dr Nery Cornelio, principal of Milagres College, Kallianpur, Sr Dulcin Crasta, director of Resource & Development Centre, Shanthi Sandesha Trust of Mangalutu and Sr Lilly Pushpa, coordinator of MSW postgraduate department and convener of the Conference, Milagres College, Kallianpur were present on the dais.

In his keynote address, Sonykutty George said that children need proper counseling. The period of childhood is a phase in which the human being is more vulnerable and needs more protection and care, he said, adding, "Children deserve particular attention and care. Efficient protection and care is essential to the children’s well being because as vulnerable people, they are more exposed to problems like mistreatment, exploitation, discrimination, violation etc."

Fr Lawrence C D’Souza in his presidential address said, "A child is not safe at all places and should be protected. The child is not safe even in the womb of the mother, or at home, school, or society. It is necessary to protect the child in all these places. Adults must know how to effectively protect the children."

Nagajyothi said that in order to ensure a child’s well-being, the state administration must establish effective protective systems including laws, procedures and practices intended to prevent and fight against all that can damage a child’s well-being. Each child is a unique human with specific needs to be fulfilled, she said.

Best social research awards were given by the guests on the dais, and rank holders of MSW department, Milagres College, Kallianpur under Mangalore University were felicitated. They were Tippeswamy who secured the first rank, and Niveditha and Pallavi who secured fourth rank.

Earlier, the programme started with a prayer. Dr Neri Cornelio welcomed the gathering. Melwyn Furtado compered the inaugural programme. The two-days state-level conference will conclude with the valedictory function in which Dr Mohan Singhe, coordinator, department of MSW, Mangalore University will deliver the valedictory address. Savitha Kotian, president of ZP, Udupi, Annamalai, superintendent of police, Udupi, B K Narayan, president of Child Welfare Committee, Udupi and others will be the chief guests.