National Award-winning actress Sonali Kulkarni showed her solidarity with the cause of combating child labour in India by being part of the film's release.
With the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour on June 12 in mind, Child Rights and You (CRY) unveiled a film on Friday titled 'Contrast', which highlights the issue of child labour in India and the importance of education in combating it. The film, unveiled at Le Sutra gallery in Khar West, has the national anthem as its background score.
National Award-winning actress Sonali Kulkarni showed her solidarity with the cause of combating child labour in India by being part of the film's release. Others present at the event included Kreeanne Rabadi, regional director (west) of CRY, Praveen Singh, associate general manager, development support and Saurabh Saxena, chief operating officer, Carnival Cinemas.
CRY, formerly known as Child Relief and You, is an Indian NGO that believes in every child's right to a fair childhood that involves learning, growing and playing. For over 30 years, CRY and its partners have worked with parents and communities to ensure a lasting change in the lives of more than 20 lakh underprivileged children.
CRY analysis shows that close to 1.4 million child labourers in India in the age group of seven-14 years cannot write their names, which means that 26% of the working children in this age group are illiterate. While the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh account for more than 50% of the total child workers in the country, Maharashtra ranks as the state with the fourth-highest number of working children.
The 60-second film 'Contrast', created in 2016, conveys the message that education is the tool that will free underprivileged children from the clutches of poverty and deprivation. The film talks about the possibilities that children can explore for a better life and advocates that no matter how sad the past, education provides a ray of hope for the future.
Kulkarni said: "I am honoured to be a part of CRY and be given a chance to make a difference. I had led a very privileged childhood and I now see that there are so many children who are growing up differently. As citizens, it is our duty to make children feel beautiful about their lives right from an early age. Let us wake up to the feelings we have and let's make a difference."
Rabadi, on her part, said: "It is discouraging to see a 37% increase in child labour in the category of five-nine years in the last 10 years. At a time when they should be studying in school and enjoying their childhood, they are compelled to take up the burden of supporting their families."
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