Agartala, July 30: An awareness workshop was organized on Wednesday at Nazrul Kalakshetra in Fatikroy with a strong appeal to eradicate the social evil of child marriage, a practice that continues to harm society despite years of campaigns and legal restrictions.
The programme was held through a personal initiative with support from the Unakoti District Education Officer. It aimed to sensitize the community about the damaging physical, emotional and psychological consequences of early marriage, particularly for young girls whose health, education and future opportunities are severely affected by this practice.
Fisheries Minister Sudhangshu Das attended the workshop as the chief guest and called for a collective effort to put an end to child marriage. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized that while strict administrative and legal measures are necessary, the real change must come from within society.
“Every conscious citizen has a role to play. Laws alone cannot eradicate such deep-rooted practices unless people come forward to stand against them,” the Minister said. He stressed that empowering parents with awareness and ensuring education for children are key to breaking this cycle.
Speakers at the programme highlighted that child marriage not only violates the rights of children but also leads to lifelong hardships, including poor health, domestic violence and loss of economic independence.
Community leaders, educators and social activists present at the event pledged to take the message forward and work together to bring meaningful change.
The workshop concluded with a call for coordinated efforts among government departments, schools, parents and local communities to build a future where every child can grow up with dignity and equal opportunities, free from the harmful practice of early marriage.
