Interview with Dr. John Thekkedam, alias Swami Snehananda Jyoti.
Dr. John Thekkedam, alias Swami Snehananda Jyoti, is the Founder Director of East West Awakening and Viswa Shanti Foundation. He was born in Kerala in 1940 and was a Jesuit…
International Day to Combat Hate Speech – June 18
P. A. Chacko “Today, as this year’s theme reminds us, hate speech travels faster and farther than ever, amplified by Artificial Intelligence. Biased algorithms and digital platforms are spreading toxic…
Artificial intelligence (AI)
AI is the capability of computational systems to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and decision-making. It is a field of research in…
17 June – World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
P. A. Chacko We humans are part of the problem. We can be the solution too! In our urge to go for more amenities, we go for felling trees, destroying…
15 June – Elder Abuse Awareness Day
P. A. Chacko15 June – Elder Abuse Awareness Day elders, our seniors, our aged parents, our elderly neighbours, and all elderly persons are our co-passengers. They live up to the…
14 June – World Blood Donation Day
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill Hunan beings stand in need of human blood. That is when…
Sant Kabir – Kabir Jayanti
June 11 marked the event of Kabir Jayanti. Kabir was a well-known Indian devotional mystic poet. He (1440 -1518) was born in Varanasi, India. As a revolutionary Indian poet, he…
12 June – World Day against Child Labour
P. A. Chacko This day is meant to ask ourselves why we allow child labour. Do not children have their human rights? A happy future, a secure childhood, good education,…
12 June – World Day against Child Labour -Chacko Anthony This day is meant to ask ourselves why we allow child labour. Do not children have their human rights? A happy future, a secure childhood, good education, good health, healthy family life etc. are non-negotiable rights of children.As per definition, every working child under the age of 14 is a child labourer. According to International Labour Organisation (ILO) India has 10.3 million child labourers. Sadly, 70 percent are girl children. It is estimated that worldwide there are 150 million children in this category.The prevalence of child labour in India is attributed to many causes.Poverty is numbered on the top of the list. No one questions why poverty exists. All speak of poverty alleviation. No one dares to speak of poverty eradication.Family debts. Children are forced to work to pay family debts; it is a crucial form of bonded labour.Domestic Help: Children are sent to work in homes to earn money. Even educated people in cities employ children and turn a blind eye to its evil consequences.Sex work: Children are forced into child sex work. Unfortunately, there are many people who prefer sex with child virgins or children.Begging: Children are employed in begging by organised gangs. Many children get maimed or blinded and used as child beggars.Illegal operations: Children are trained as pick pockets or petty thieves and employed by gangs.Child marriage: This forces young girls into domestic work which is often physically taxing.Reports point out that there are five Indian states who are the biggest employers of child labour. They are: Bihar, UP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.Does this phenomenon prick our conscience? What do our legislators and parliamentarians do?Legal Position: India
Child labour prohibition Act. Right to Education. Article 21 A (Indian Constitution) Prohibition of employment of Children in factories etc. Art.24. Rehabilitation of children under hazardous occupations (National Policy)In spite…
International Day of Play – June 11
P. A. Chacko “Play is a sign that children feel safe and nurtured and loved. They feel that they can be children even in the midst of great difficulty.”(UNICEF Executive…