United for Children’s Rights: World Day Against Child Labour Observed in Kalaburagi

On 12 June 2026, an awareness rally was organized at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Circle, Kalaburagi, in observance of the World Day Against Child Labour. The rally was flagged off by Mr. Srinivas Navale, Honorable Civil Judge and Member Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, and Mr. Venkatesh Shindihatti, Deputy Labour Commissioner.
Officials from various govt departments, representatives of NGOs including Margadarshi and Don Bosco, and staff members participated in the event. The rally proceeded from Timmapuri Circle to St. Mary’s Church, with participants raising slogans against child labour and displaying placards to create public awareness about the issue.
A special program was later organized in the auditorium of St. Mary’s Degree College. The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
The dignitaries present on the dais included Mrs. Manjula Patil District Child Protection Unit, Mr. Vishwaradhya Ijeri Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee, Mr. Venkatesh Shindihatti Deputy Labour Commissioner, Mr. Mohammed Basheer Assistant Labour Commissioner, Mr. Shivasharanappa Hallimani District Labour Officer, Mr. Sharanabasappa Khyatanal DHO, Fr. Joseph Praveen Principal, St. Mary’s School, Mr. Vittal Chikani, Mr. Anand Raj, Fr. Kuriakose, officials from the Police Department, Mr. Shivakumar Reshme, and Mr. Mastan Biradar President, NGO Federation.
Addressing the gathering, Srinivas Navale, Honorable Civil Judge, administered the Anti-Child Labour Pledge and spoke about the harmful effects of child labour and the importance of protecting children’s rights.
Students from the Don Bosco Evening School, Belur J, and the Govt Higher Primary School presented a short awareness skit highlighting the issue of child labour and the need to eliminate it.
Mr. Vishwaradhya Ijeri, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, spoke about children’s rights, the importance of education, and society’s responsibility in preventing child labour. Dr. S.R. Hallimani, District Labour Officer, explained the various government initiatives and programs aimed at eradicating child labour.
Towards the end of the program, Mr. Anand Raj, Director of Margadarshi Organization, delivered a speech on the topic “Who Are Children?”, emphasizing child development, children’s rights, and the role of society in shaping their future. On this occasion, children who had been rescued from bonded labour were felicitated and honored.
The program concluded successfully with a vote of thanks.
The event was attended by students of St. Mary’s College, high school students, heads and staff of government and non-government child care institutions, Childline, staff of Margadarshi and Don Bosco ( CSN, MC, CLEP CCI, FC ) all staff, District Child Protection Unit staff, State Child Labour Project staff, Labour Department inspectors, and other departmental officials.
Overall, the purpose of observing the World Day Against Child Labour was to promote the message that every child should be brought into the mainstream of society, children should not be engaged in labour during their childhood, and no child should be deprived of education. The program aimed to create awareness among parents, employers, and the general public about the need to stop child labour and ensure every child’s right to education and a safe childhood.
Approximately 200 people participated in the program.