The Office of Public Affairs of the Bahá’ís of India, in collaboration with ABHAS (Action Beyond Help and Support), a development organization promoting social and civic values, convened a roundtable discussion on 29 May 2025, on the theme “Child Marriage Free India: Call for Collective Action.” The gathering served as a space for shared learning and reflection on the deeply entrenched issue of child marriage – an issue that demands critical reexamining of the structures of family life, societal norms, legal frameworks, and educational access. The event brought together a diverse and dedicated group of stakeholders, united in their commitment to strengthen India’s collective resolve to eradicate child marriage. Approximately 40 participants gathered for this roundtable including representatives from institutions such as UNICEF India, India Child Protection, Joint Women’s Programme, Child Survival India, Smile Foundation, Center for Social Change, CEQUIN, and the Department of Women and Child Development. During the roundtable, participants discussed not only technical aspects related to addressing this challenge but also recounted stories from the grassroots including personal encounters with cases of child marriage in Delhi and other regions.
The discussions emphasized that child marriage is not only a violation of law but a violation of human dignity, with long-term impacts on a child’s education, health, autonomy, and contribution to society. Participants reflected on the importance of a moral and societal shift—moving beyond viewing children as passive recipients of protection, and instead recognizing them as individuals with potential, voice, and agency. From a spiritual and ethical standpoint, speakers highlighted the need to foster environments where children are valued and empowered as active participants in shaping their communities.
Speakers observed that when the needs of children are overlooked and their rights are violated, it is not only the child who suffers but the whole of society. For a community or a society to neglect the sacred responsibility of providing the right nurturing environment for a child, is to invite its own destruction.
