Now We Feel Our Children Truly Matter: How Khushaal Bachpan is Transforming Children’s Lives in Chilkaguda

For many parents in Chilkaguda village, Children’s Day on 30th November 2025 was far more than just a celebration it was a powerful moment of hope and transformation. This remote village in Raigarh District, Chhattisgarh, is witnessing inspiring changes in its children thanks to the Caritas India Khushaal Bachpan programme.
Meera Rathia, a mother of two, shared her pride as she watched her daughter confidently step onto the stage for the first time. “Earlier, my children were too shy to even speak in class. Today, they are performing in front of the whole village. Khushaal Bachpan has given them courage,” she said, capturing the sentiment that resonated throughout the gathering of over 700 community members.

Organised by the Khushaal Bachpan team, the event brought together local leaders, parents, teachers, and children to raise awareness about child rights, promote education and well-being, and celebrate the creativity blossoming among children supported by the programme.

The day began with a warm welcome to eight Sarpanches, two Block Development Committee members, twelve School Management Committee members, 23 PRI leaders, and Anganwadi teachers a strong demonstration of collective leadership and commitment. The first half featured sensitization sessions covering child protection, education, nutrition, and health, with a special focus on orphaned and disabled children. Local leaders praised the visible improvements in school enrolment, attendance, and discipline that the Khushaal Bachpan initiative has supported.

Sarpanch Nikesh Rathia remarked, “Khushaal Bachpan has brought a big change in our village, with more children attending school regularly.” BDC member Jaghnath Rathia added, “The focus on child rights and education has been a game changer for our community.” Such words reinforced the community’s shared determination to advance the cause of child welfare.

The afternoon unfolded in festive spirit as children showcased their talents through dances, skits, dramas, and songs centred on education, child rights, and preventing child labour and early marriage. Their vibrant performances reflected the confidence and creativity nurtured by the programme, leaving parents beaming with pride and, for many, witnessing this transformation for the very first time.

Looking ahead, the event provided a platform for planning future activities. Community leaders, PRI members, school representatives, and Anganwadi workers pledged their full cooperation to strengthen child protection, education, and early childhood development in Chilkaguda.

For Meera Rathia and many others, Children’s Day represented a true awakening a reaffirmation that with awareness, strong leadership, and empowered children, the community is steadily progressing toward a future where every child is seen, supported, and given the chance to thrive.