Fighting against child marriage and other ills

In Delhi’s Sangam Vihara a father decided to cancel his 15-year-old daughter’s wedding and send her back to school. This shift came after he attended a child marriage awareness session organised by the Rotaract Club of Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), RID 3011. The session, part of the club’s Project Shakti, highlighted the far-reaching consequences of child marriage on health, education and economic stability. It also clarified the Child Marriage Prohibition Act and the Right to Education Act, emphasising the penalties for violations and the rights of every child to a full education.

A child holds an anti-child marriage poster as part of Project Shakti.

“Through interactive methods such as street plays and group discussions, the programme sensitised the people living in the slums on how early marriage limits opportunities and perpetuates cycles of poverty,” says Shagun Azad, the club’s past president.

For this father, “the programme’s practical approach made a difference. While raising awareness, the club connected him to an NGO that could help address his financial challenges, ensuring his daughter could continue her studies. This comprehensive support system empowered him to decide rooted in hope for his family’s future,” he adds.

Club members and volunteers form the shape of a human heart to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS.

The initiative also highlighted global and national efforts such as UNICEF’s 2030 agenda and India’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign.

On World AIDS Day, Project Red Ribbon Walk and Talk was organised to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS and combat associated stigma. Supported by the AIDS Control Society and led by HIV Officer Dr Richa H Roy, the initiative combined a campus walk with a door-to-door campaign across 12 Delhi slums, reaching over 1,000 people. Volunteers distributed educational pamphlets, addressed myths, and encouraged inclusivity. The project cost ₹5,500 and won the RID 3011 People’s Choice Project Award.

Club members collect plastic waste at a cleanliness rally.

Under Project Prakriti, the club carried out plantation drives, cleanliness initiatives, and visits to animal shelters, planting more than 100 saplings and encouraging environmental responsibility among residents. These initiatives were supported and sponsored by Vriskshit Foundation and Scrap Buddy. “Our work has earned recognition from RSAMDIO and SEARIC MDIO,” smiles Azad.

Rotaractors at a dustbin distribution drive.

During the club’s Navratri charity lunch with underprivileged girls at the S K Children Foundation in Preet Vihar, Delhi, the club organised a Kanjak, a traditional ritual honouring young girls as an embodiment of the goddess. The celebration involved distributing food, gifts, and traditional chunaris (pieces of cloth). “Girls were encouraged to share their aspirations, with one young girl expressing her dream of becoming a teacher,” he smiles.

Rotaractors with children during the Navratri charity lunch.

Through Project Atmarakshak, over 750 girls were empowered after participating in self-defence workshops. Drawing inspiration from IPS officer Kiran Bedi, Project Ekagrata introduced yoga and meditation sessions in schools across Delhi. “These sessions, now conducted monthly, provide students with essential tools to manage stress and maintain emotional balance in their lives,” says Mohammad Affan, a club member.

A community library with over 250 books was established at an underprivileged school under Project Kalam. Bags and notebooks were distributed to the students.

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