Hyderabad: Padma Shri awardee and child rights activist Shanta Sinha on Friday declared that any child outside the formal education system should be considered a child labourer. She described this as a serious societal failure that demands immediate attention.
She made the remarks while addressing the 36th Annual Day Cultural Meet of Sister Nivedita School at Shilpakala Vedika. According to Sinha, simply enrolling a child in school does not guarantee protection. “Protecting childhood, nurturing curiosity, and ensuring holistic development is a shared responsibility,” she said.
Out-of-school child labourer label highlights education failure
Sinha warned that excessive use of mobile phones and tablets can damage children’s mental health and suppress their creativity. Therefore, she urged parents and educators to prioritise real-world experiences within supportive environments.
In addition, Dr. W.G. Prasanna Kumar, President of the National Environmental Education Academic Network, described education as a joyful and transformative journey. He advised parents to spend quality time with their children. Moreover, he encouraged them to introduce environmental awareness early in life.
Meanwhile, School Chairman Dr. Sudhakar Rao Polsani credited the institution’s progress to the dedication of teachers and the individual attention given to each student. Principal Dr. T. Lalitha presented the school’s annual report. She highlighted key milestones achieved during the academic year and acknowledged faculty contributions.
Finally, the event concluded with vibrant cultural performances by students. School Correspondent Harihar Prasad and Secretary Rama Devi Polsani joined parents, teachers, and students in celebrating the occasion.