Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) : PM SHRI School Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Tawang, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Tawang, organised a legal awareness programme under the nationwide campaign ‘Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan’, aimed at promoting child protection, personal safety, legal awareness and children’s rights.

The programme focused on empowering students with the knowledge and confidence to identify unsafe situations, understand their legal rights and seek timely assistance against abuse, exploitation and other violations of children’s rights.

Advocates Sonam Zangmu and Lobsang Tashi conducted the awareness session and sensitised students about various legal provisions and safeguards designed to ensure children’s safety, dignity, welfare and access to justice.

The session covered several important legislations, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012; the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended; the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005; laws prohibiting child marriage; the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009; and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Through informative and interactive discussions, the advocates explained how these legal provisions protect children against sexual abuse, exploitation, child labour, early marriage and other forms of abuse and neglect. Students were encouraged to raise their voices against wrongdoing, recognise potentially harmful situations and approach trusted adults or appropriate authorities whenever they feel unsafe.

Addressing the gathering, JNV Tawang Principal Shri M. L. Meena emphasised that awareness, safety and protection are fundamental to ensuring a secure and happy childhood for every child. Referring to the campaign’s message, “Jagrukta, Suraksha aur Sanrakshan – Har Bachche Ka Adhikar; Har Bachche Ka Bachpan, Hum Sab Ki Zimmedari,” he highlighted that protecting children is a collective responsibility of schools, parents, communities, institutions and society.

The Principal urged students not to remain silent when confronted with situations that make them feel uncomfortable, threatened or unsafe. He encouraged them to speak up without fear, seek assistance from trusted individuals and report incidents to the appropriate authorities. He reassured them that seeking help is never a matter of shame or guilt and that their safety, dignity and well-being must always remain the highest priority.

Shri Meena also observed that lack of awareness, fear, social stigma and uncertainty about available support mechanisms often prevent incidents involving crimes against children from being reported. He stressed that initiatives such as Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan play a crucial role in bridging this awareness gap by equipping children with the knowledge to identify wrongdoing, understand their rights and access appropriate legal and institutional support.

He further emphasised the importance of creating a child-friendly school environment where every student feels safe, respected, heard and protected, enabling them to learn, grow and develop with confidence and dignity.

Expressing his gratitude, the Principal thanked the District Legal Services Authority, Tawang, particularly Advocates Sonam Zangmu and Lobsang Tashi, for their valuable time, guidance and commitment to spreading legal awareness among students. He also appreciated the efforts of legal services institutions in taking such meaningful initiatives to educational institutions and strengthening awareness about children’s rights and protection mechanisms.

The programme reinforced the importance of personal safety, access to education, protection against abuse and exploitation, and the collective responsibility of safeguarding children. It marked a significant step towards fostering a culture of awareness, accountability and child protection within the school community.

Through initiatives such as Surakshit Bachpan Abhiyan, PM SHRI School Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Tawang, reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing informed, confident and responsible students while providing a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment.

“A Safe Childhood Is Every Child’s Right, and Protecting It Is Everyone’s Responsibility.”