Legal Literacy Program Enlightens Over 250 Participants at Roshni Nilaya
Mangaluru: In a powerful step toward community awareness and social justice, the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, hosted an impactful Legal Literacy Program on Monday, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The event was a collaborative effort between the District Legal Services Authority, District Administration, Labour Department, District Child Labour Scheme Association, Police Department, Children’s Helpline, PG Department, and IQAC. Centered around vital topics such as child labour, substance abuse, human trafficking, and children’s rights, the program aimed to equip students and faculty with legal knowledge to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Over 250 attendees, including postgraduate students and faculty from the School of Social Work, participated with keen interest. The event commenced with a soulful invocation by the Mesmerized Allegro Crew (MAC), setting a reflective and purposeful tone. Ms. Nagashree of II MSW extended a warm welcome to the gathering, while Ms. Swathi Y of II MSW anchored the session seamlessly.
The Chief Guest, Ms. Nazia Sulthan, Assistant Labour Commissioner of Mangalore Division, urged participants to become change agents in their communities. She encouraged outreach efforts and field-level activism to combat child labour, underscoring that while constitutional rights are essential, fulfilling fundamental duties is key to building a just and thriving society.
Following her address, Ms. Wilma Elizabeth Tauro, Labour Welfare Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, offered a detailed overview of child labour and adolescent labour laws. She explained legal guidelines concerning permissible work environments, restricted occupations, minimum wages, and punitive actions against violators. She emphasized the importance of contacting helpline 1098 when witnessing children in distress.
Mr. Harishchandra, Superintendent of Police, Pandeshwar Station, gave a compelling talk on the threats posed by drug peddlers, especially toward students from outside the state. He spoke candidly about the risks of mobile phone misuse, misinformation, and how traffickers exploit vulnerable youth under the guise of mentorship or friendship. He reminded attendees that human trafficking is often a deliberate betrayal by known individuals and urged everyone to report social evils promptly by dialing 112.
Ms. Reshma, District Coordinator of the Women and Child Welfare Department, educated the audience on children’s rights and the legal ramifications of child marriage, sexual offences, and abusive disciplinary practices. She highlighted how boys and girls alike face risks and emphasized the need for sensitive, informed engagement when working with children.
Representing the District Legal Services Authority, Mr. Sukharaj Kothari spoke about the accessibility of free legal aid services for economically and socially disadvantaged individuals. He discussed the laws that address exploitation—such as Article 23, the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, POCSO Act, Child Labour Act, NDPS Act, Child Marriage Act, and POSH Act—and explained their real-world implications in combating forced labour and commercial sexual exploitation.
The event was graced by the presence of senior faculty members, including Ms. Cecelia Farida Goveas, Associate Professor & Head (Controller of Examinations), and Dr. Meena Monteiro, Dean of PG Studies. Their support added academic strength and encouragement to the proceedings.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Nithin Shetty of II MSW, followed by the national anthem, reinforcing the program’s message of civic responsibility and unity. The Legal Literacy Program succeeded not only in educating but in inspiring future generations to be socially responsible and to serve as informed advocates for justice and child welfare.
