An awareness meeting on “Child Marriage and its Impact” was organized by Green Leaf Foundation, Gossaigaon in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra, Kokrajhar under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India on 27 January 2023 at 683 No. Burichatam Lower Primary School, Village – Burichatam No.2, P.O. Sapkata, District – Kokrajhar, Assam.
The programme aimed to create awareness among rural communities regarding the harmful social, educational, and health impacts of child marriage and other social evils affecting society.
Attending the programme as Chief Guest, Shri Aranyak Saikia, IAS, Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Gossaigaon Sub-Division, described child marriage as a serious social curse and urged the public to come forward collectively to protect children and adolescents from its harmful consequences. He highlighted that many illegal child marriages continue to take place in remote and minority-dominated areas without the knowledge of law enforcement authorities.
Shri Aranyak Saikia further explained that child marriage deprives children of education, creates severe health risks, and contributes to social and economic problems including increased birth rates and poverty. He also briefed the gathering on various government initiatives, legal provisions, and administrative guidelines aimed at preventing child marriage.
Advocate Mafizur Rahman of Gossaigaon SDJM Court addressed the gathering on several social issues including child marriage, gambling, mobile addiction, witchcraft, dowry practices, and other harmful social practices. He emphasized that education is the most effective tool to eliminate social evils from society and called upon government agencies, NGOs, self-help groups, and community leaders to work together towards social reform.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Uttam Kumar Ghosh, Chief Advisor of Green Leaf Foundation and Assistant Head Master of Srirampur High School.
Other resource persons and distinguished participants included Mr. Zakir Hussain, Vice President of West Kokrajhar District Committee of AAMSU, Mr. Abdul Akher Sheikh, Head Master of 683 No. Burichatam Lower Primary School, and Mr. Jowaher Ali, Gaon Pradhan of Bhomrabil village, among others.
The programme was organized under the direct guidance and coordination of Mr. Mizanur Rahman, President of Green Leaf Foundation. Hundreds of local residents, community members, youth volunteers, and foundation workers actively participated in the awareness meeting.
Impact:
- Hundreds of local residents and youth participated in the awareness programme.
- Increased awareness regarding the harmful impacts of child marriage and social evils.
- Promoted community participation in social reform and child protection initiatives.
- Strengthened collaboration between administration, civil society, and local communities.