Ensuring the Safety of Children at Kumbha Mela 2019
Bal Raksha Bharat has emerged as one of the three NGOs to find a presence in the Kumbh Mela that takes place in Prayag Kumbh. Kumbh Mela has been a significant part of India’s historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage. Crores of people (mostly pilgrims) become part of it every year.
Under an initiative by the Uttar Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (UPSCPCR), volunteers from Bal Raksha Bharat are present at the Kumbh Mela wearing a blue uniform with ‘BaalMitra’ written on it. ‘BaalMitra literally means ‘Friends of Children’. They are creating awareness among the parents and children on child protection during Kumbh Mela. They are telling all the parents to get Aadhaar Cards made for their children if they haven’t already. These volunteers are also there to ensure that at any point in time, if a child is lost, using the child’s identity proof, they will report the case to the police and will help them find his/her parents.