Child Marriage Awareness
Anekal
Anekal town witnessed a strong show of social commitment on Saturday as a large-scale legal awareness program focusing on the prevention of child marriage was organized, drawing enthusiastic participation from hundreds of students. The event aimed to educate the public about the legal consequences of child marriage and highlight its long-term social, educational, and psychological impact on children, especially young girls.
As part of the program, students from various educational institutions gathered early in the day and marched through the main streets of Anekal, holding placards with powerful messages condemning child marriage. The march attracted widespread attention from residents, shopkeepers, and commuters, many of whom paused to read the messages and listen to the slogans raised by the participants. Slogans such as Child marriage is a crime. Brighten the lives of children and stop child marriage echoed through the town, reinforcing the core message of the campaign.
Organizers said the objective of the march was not only to spread awareness but also to encourage community members to take responsibility in reporting and preventing child marriages. Students were seen interacting with the public, explaining how child marriage deprives children of education, curtails their personal development, and pushes them into early responsibilities they are not prepared to handle.
The program was jointly organized by the Taluk Legal Services Committee, Taluk Lawyers Association, Bengaluru West District Child Protection Department, Education Department, and the Women and Child Welfare Department. Officials from these departments addressed the gathering after the march, stressing the importance of coordinated efforts between authorities, schools, parents, and local communities to eradicate the social evil.
Speaking on the occasion, District Judge B. Somashekhar emphasized that child marriage is not merely a social issue but a punishable offence under the law. He stated that such practices increase illiteracy, perpetuate poverty, and negatively affect the overall progress of society.
