8

Nov

One Man's Vision Becomes Nation's Mission

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Amitabh Srivastava

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New Delhi | Friday | 8 November 2024

Less than a week from now, on Children's Day Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre will be observing its 36th Founders Day.

The fire that engulfed hundreds of Jhuggis in the biggest slum of Delhi in 1988 left hundreds of kids homeless and orphaned.

Their plight touched many but not like it moved Amod K Kanth, one of the bravest IPS officers of the country then serving Delhi Police.

He decided that these children did not deserve this fate and with the help of some like-minded organisations set up Prayas in a one-room apartment in Jehangirpuri.

But the visionary and thought leader that he is, Kanth decided that these children did not need just food and shelter but justice as guaranteed under the UNCRC that India signed much later.

Since then it has been what he calls ' the meandering journey of a river that takes every stream that it meets and becomes stronger than before" in the process.

It is this approach that today Prayas JAC Society with branches in 13 States/UTs has become one of the biggest umbrellas to protect and fight for children's rights in India and abroad.

Interestingly, the main motive that inspires this fight is his overarching slogan that a child's needs are his rights.

 

Article at a Glance

Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre is set to celebrate its 36th Founders Day on Children’s Day, honoring its impactful journey since its inception in 1988. Founded by Amod K Kanth, a dedicated IPS officer, Prayas emerged from the aftermath of a devastating fire in Delhi’s largest slum, which left many children homeless.

Kanth envisioned a holistic approach to child welfare, advocating for children's rights as outlined in the UNCRC. Over the years, Prayas has expanded its reach across 13 states, serving approximately 50,000 marginalized individuals through 315 projects focused on education, health, and child protection.

Recognized for its contributions to significant legislation like the POCSO and Juvenile Justice Act, Prayas continues to be a leading force in advocating for children's rights in India. Though Kanth has stepped down as General Secretary, he remains a vital mentor, ensuring the organization thrives.

 

Ever since Kanth started his innings with Delhi Police in 1974, his single-minded devotion to duty has earned him a unique place and respect not only in the police but in the media- a relationship that he will maintain in 2024.

What has helped the growth of Prayas which he started in 1988 while in service is his mind open to suggestions and innovations.

His long tenure with the Delhi Police and CBI has provided insights into human nature that helped him choose the core team that has stood with him all these years.

The added advantage of his democratic leanings led him to have a learned and talented Governing Body comprising eminent personalities from the IAS, IPS, Education, Social sector, Legal profession and Journalism to frame the broader guidelines that govern Prayas.

It is this blend of knowledge with commitment that in these 36 years, Prayas has been a part of almost every single legislation formulated for the welfare of children in the country.

Be it POCSO, Child Labour law, Juvenile Justice Act or the Criminal Amendment Act in 2013 Prayas has been at the forefront of these changes.

Prayas JAC Society, with nearly 750 co-workers, is now directly serving approximately 50,000 extremely needy persons belonging to marginalized segments of the population in 13 States/UTs including NCT Delhi, Bihar, Gujarat, Assam, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli Daman & Diu and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and is implementing 315 projects/centres & units to address critical issues related to education, skill & livelihood programs, vocational training, health, child care & protection, juvenile justice, trafficking, child labour, child rights, women's empowerment, homelessness etc. The efforts of the Society have been recognised and supported by many State Governments, Central Ministries, international organisations and various donor agencies.

The NITI Aayog has accorded a prominent role for Prayas in its coordination with voluntary organisations. Prayas JAC Society also enjoys Special Consultative Status with the UN (Economic and Social Council).

Even though Amod Kanth is averse to being called a social activist by his actions he is just that.

His phone is open 24x7 for everyone as is his room which is a feat considering that he had been its Founder General Secretary all these years.

Only very recently he has given up this position voluntarily making way for Naveen Verma a prominent IAS officer who retired recently.

At the request of the staff and the Governing Body, he has agreed to remain the Founder and Mentor of Prayas but that has not affected his involvement with the growth of this tree which he had planted and nurtured with everything that he had.

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