Arushi Brotia is part of the Digital Marketing team at CRY. With a background in literature and experience across the social sector, she works on content across campaigns, mailers, and digital communication that help bring greater visibility to issues affecting children. Through her writing and storytelling, she contributes to shaping narratives that encourage wider engagement with the movement for every child’s right to a happy childhood. When she isn’t working on stories, she’s probably at the gym, or thinking about her next protein fix.
For many children, science is still something that exists only in textbooks, rarely in something they can touch, test, or question. Yet, science education in India is at a turning point. As the country moves toward a more innovation-driven future, the focus is shifting from simply getting children into classrooms to improving the quality of […]
Read More >>Digital spaces have become a part of everyday childhood. From online learning to social connections, the internet offers many opportunities for children to grow and explore. However, it also exposes them to risks such as cyberbullying. Understanding how to prevent cyberbullying is essential to protecting children’s mental health and ensuring that online spaces remain safe, […]
Read More >>India is currently facing a complex health crisis known as the triple burden of malnutrition, where undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies exist at the same time. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), around 35% of children under five in India are stunted, nearly 67% are anaemic, and about 3% are overweight. This means […]
Read More >>Every year, the International Day of Women and girls in science brings the world together to celebrate curiosity, creativity, and the courage to explore. It recognises the role women and girls play in shaping discoveries, building innovations, and imagining a better future through science. For CRY, this day is about more than recognition. It is […]
Read More >>Summary/TL;DR on Types of Social Barriers In many developing countries like India, girls encounter significant barriers to education, primarily due to economic constraints and social issues rooted in traditional mindsets. Types of social barriers include gender discrimination, early marriage, safety concerns, lack of sanitary facilities, and a preference for investing in boys’ education. Socioeconomic factors […]
Read More >>Learn about the key child protection policy in India, including the Juvenile Justice Act and POCSO Act. Understand challenges in enforcement and how these policies safeguard children’s rights. Summary/TL;DR on Child protection policy Child protection policies in India play a critical role in ensuring every child’s safety and rights. At CRY India, we collaborate with […]
Read More >>Summary/TL;DR on Conducive Environment Creating a conducive environment for learning is essential for the education of underprivileged children in India, where millions lack access due to socio-economic barriers. Such environments are supportive, safe, and inclusive, addressing the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of students. Key strategies for fostering these environments include providing accessible infrastructure, adequate […]
Read More >>Summary/TL;DR STEM education, encompassing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, is pivotal for equipping children with critical thinking, collaborative abilities, and problem-solving skills essential in a technology-driven future. It encourages active participation through hands-on activities and bridging theory with practice. While India has made progress in promoting STEM through initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) […]
Read More >>Summary/TL;DR The importance of inclusive education lies in offering equal learning opportunities to all children, regardless of background or ability. It fosters empathy, diversity, and collaboration. The need for inclusive education is seen in how it supports emotional well-being, academic growth, and a sense of belonging. By working together, teachers, parents, and specialists create a […]
Read More >>Summary/TL;DR on Causes of Child Marriage Child marriage still affects millions of girls in India, robbing them of education, health, and safety. The causes of child marriage in India include poverty, lack of education, harmful traditions, and gender inequality. These causes of child marriage vary by region, with states like Bihar and Rajasthan seeing higher […]
Read More >>Summary/TL;DR on National Girl Child Day National Girl Child Day, observed annually on January 24, aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by girls in India and promotes their empowerment. Established in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, it highlights issues such as gender discrimination, child marriage, and limited educational access. […]
Read More >>Summary/TL;DR on How to Celebrate Republic Day Republic Day, celebrated on January 26, commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, symbolizing equality, justice, and democratic rights. It serves as a reminder of the responsibility to protect freedom and promote social welfare. For children, it offers a chance to learn about citizenship, rights, and […]
Read More >>Summary/TL;DR on Protein Energy Malnutrition Understanding Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) Protein energy malnutrition is a form of undernutrition that mainly affects infants and young children. It is most common in low-income settings where access to nutritious food, healthcare, and hygiene is limited. In India, PEM remains a key contributor to child morbidity and mortality, especially […]
Read More >>Summary/TL;DR on Child Vaccination Chart Introduction to Child Vaccination and Its Importance Childhood vaccination is one of the most effective public health measures available today. It protects children during their most vulnerable years and helps build immunity against diseases that once caused high child mortality. In India, the government provides free vaccines under the Universal […]
Read More >>31st December is an occasion that is celebrated with much excitement. After all, it is the eve of New Year’s – the end of a wholesome year and the beginning of a promising new year. A new year brings along many aspirations for a more positive and productive time ahead. Unfortunately, such is not the […]
Read More >>Summary/TL;DR for Importance of Child Rights The importance of child rights lies in ensuring the safety, well-being, and development of children in India. Protecting these rights is crucial to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation, while ensuring access to education, healthcare, and a secure environment. In India, where many children face significant challenges, advocating for the […]
Read More >>Summary/TL;DR on Benefits of Sports for Children Playing is fundamental to childhood, and the Benefits of Sports for Children extend far beyond providing freedom and joy to include critical developmental milestones. The World Health Organization highlights that regular physical activity enhances physical fitness and mental well-being in children. Sports promote physical health by improving strength, […]
Read More >>Summary/TL;DR on Difference Between Education and Literacy Both education and literacy are crucial for children’s development, yet there is a distinct Difference Between Education and Literacy. Literacy refers to the basic skills of reading and writing, enabling children to communicate and comprehend fundamental information. In contrast, education encompasses broader knowledge, critical thinking, and application of […]
Read More >>Summary/TL;DR on Importance of Mental Health Understanding the importance of mental health is crucial for the overall well-being of girls, particularly in India, where societal expectations and resource scarcity hinder access to necessary support. A mental health support system, involving teachers, parents, peers, and community resources, is essential for fostering an environment where girls can […]
Read More >>What is Poshan Maah? Rashtriya Poshan Maah, or National Nutrition Month, is observed every September in India to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating. It forms a vital part of the larger Poshan Abhiyan, officially known as the Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition. Launched in 2018, this initiative aims […]
Read More >>Education is the foundation for equality, progress, and opportunity. Every year, International Literacy Day reminds the world of the power of learning and the urgent need to ensure that every child—regardless of background—has access to quality education. Literacy not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens communities and nations. What is International Literacy Day? International […]
Read More >>In many parts of rural India, girls still face challenges that keep them away from school. Although there has been progress over the years, the fight to protect girls’ education rights is far from complete. Education is much more than just learning to read and write. It opens doors to new opportunities, helps break the […]
Read More >>TLDR;Legal Age for Marriage in India: Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, the minimum legal age for marriage in India is 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys. Child marriage continues to be a harsh reality for many children in India, affecting their health, education, safety, and future opportunities. While progress […]
Read More >>Summary/TL;DR on WASH in School Every child has the right to a safe and healthy learning environment, yet many in India, particularly girls, face challenges due to inadequate hygiene facilities in schools. The WASH programme (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is essential for providing clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene education, helping prevent diseases and manage […]
Read More >>Summary / TL;DR Gender inequality in India stems from poverty, child marriage, lack of education, poor healthcare, and patriarchal norms. These root causes of gender inequality intensify gender issues in India, limiting girls’ access to education, healthcare, and leadership roles. CRY works to empower girls by promoting education, raising awareness, and ensuring equal opportunities for […]
Read More >>Educating children about good health practices is a key step in ensuring a healthier future. Through awareness and basic knowledge, children can learn how to protect themselves from illnesses and build lifelong habits. Focusing on disease prevention early in life helps reduce long-term health risks, lowers the chances of school absenteeism, and supports the growth […]
Read More >>STEM learning, which focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, is essential in today’s world. Introducing STEM activities to children in underserved communities can give them a strong foundation and confidence for the future. What Are STEM Activities and Benefits of STEM Activities for Kids STEM activities for kids involve hands-on learning methods that focus […]
Read More >>In a world that’s constantly evolving with technology, innovation, and scientific breakthroughs, careers in STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—hold the key to tomorrow. But while the world prepares for the future, millions of girls across India are still left behind, told silently that these fields aren’t for them. It’s time we change that narrative. STEM […]
Read More >>In today’s world, science and technology are shaping the future in every field, from healthcare to transport, farming to finance. That’s why introducing STEM education for girls is not just about teaching academic subjects; it’s about building a foundation for curiosity, confidence, and career choices. Encouraging girls to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics helps […]
Read More >>Skill development in children, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, is a crucial step towards creating a more equitable and empowered society. With early intervention and targeted support, these programs offer young minds the tools and confidence to build brighter futures. In this blog, we explore the benefits of skill development, challenges in access, and how […]
Read More >>Education is a fundamental right that empowers individuals and uplifts communities. However, girl education in India continues to face significant challenges due to cultural barriers, preventing countless girls from accessing the education they deserve. Addressing these barriers is critical to achieving equality and enabling India to harness its young women’s potential fully. Understanding Cultural Norms […]
Read More >>Child marriage remains a major issue in India, with millions of children losing their childhood, education, and opportunities. Tackling this challenge requires addressing the root causes, and education emerges as one of the most effective tools to break this cycle. Child Marriage and Its Link to Education Child marriage and lack of education are deeply […]
Read More >>International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, was established by the United Nations to raise awareness about the unique challenges girls face globally—such as child marriage, gender-based violence, and lack of access to education. It also serves as a platform to promote the empowerment of girls and the fulfillment of their […]
Read More >>Discover the alarming rise of crimes against children in India, including child trafficking, sexual abuse, and labour. Learn about legal frameworks, societal impact, and effective solutions. Summary Child crime in India remains alarmingly prevalent, affecting millions of children each year. Poverty, lack of education, weak law enforcement, and social norms contribute to the problem. At […]
Read More >>Summary / TL;DR School dropout in India remains a critical issue, particularly in rural and marginalized areas. Key causes include child labour, child marriages, inadequate education quality, gender inequality, health issues, and lack of parental involvement. To combat this, initiatives like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and efforts from NGOs like CRY India focus on improving infrastructure, […]
Read More >>CRY – Child Rights and You has launched the ‘Poori Padhai, Desh Ki Bhalai’ campaign with a clear and powerful objective: to ensure that every girl in India completes her education. This campaign is part of CRY’s mission to address gender equality in education, recognizing that empowering girls through education is essential for the nation’s […]
Read More >>Summary CRY supports educational schemes in India like SSA and RTE, ensuring free, quality education. These government free education schemes remove barriers and promote enrolment, literacy, and gender equality. Education schemes in India empower children, fostering holistic development and a brighter future for all. Education is crucial for a progressive society, and it is essential […]
Read More >>Summary / TL;DR The Right to Education RTE Act, enacted in 2009 under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution, ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14, regardless of their background. It mandates quality education, proper school infrastructure, teacher student ratios, inclusion of disadvantaged groups, and prohibits discrimination, screening, and capitation fees. The Act […]
Read More >>Summary (TL;DR) Education for underprivileged kids is essential to break cycles of poverty. Many children still face barriers to education due to poverty, illiteracy, and social challenges. Strengthening early education, improving teacher support, and involving communities can help bridge this gap. At CRY India, we work on the ground to improve school access, provide learning […]
Read More >>When girls receive quality education, they are better equipped to make informed decisions about their lives, contribute to their communities, and break cycles of poverty. The government, recognising the transformative power of girls’ education in India, has implemented comprehensive programs like Samagra Shiksha to boost enrollment rates and bridge gender gaps in education. These efforts […]
Read More >>Summary Rural education in India faces challenges like poor infrastructure, teacher shortages, and a lack of resources. Improving the education system in rural areas requires digital learning, skill programs, and efforts like Samagra Shiksha. CRY India supports rural education through bridge centers, school aid, and rights advocacy. Empowered communities and sustained innovation are key to […]
Read More >>School readiness is a critical milestone in a child’s educational journey, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success. But what is the importance of school readiness? From understanding the essential skills and competencies that contribute to readiness to examining the transformative impact it has on a child’s educational trajectory, we aim to shed light […]
Read More >>Summary Empowering children is key to building an equitable India. To answer how can we help underprivileged students, we must remove barriers to education, healthcare, and safety. Solutions include community engagement, gender equality, and support from NGOs like CRY India. These efforts empower children in poverty and ensure long-term impact through awareness, policy change, and […]
Read More >>Malnutrition violates a child’s fundamental rights, while good nutrition provides the foundation for them to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. Every child deserves access to healthy food and basic healthcare. These fundamental rights lay the foundation for their physical, mental, and cognitive development. Yet, the harsh reality is that India’s under-5 mortality rate […]
Read More >>Children represent the future of any nation, and their well-being is directly linked to a society’s progress. An environment that fosters their intellectual, physical and social development enables them to grow into responsible and productive citizens. However, many Indian children face a harsh reality – being made to work at a young age, robbing them […]
Read More >>In India, efforts are being made to address the discrimination faced by girls from birth throughout their lives. In fact, reports say 1 in 3 child brides (UNICEF, 2014) worldwide are from India, and approximately 13 million girls work to support their families. Not only do they drop out of school, but they are also […]
Read More >>In India, millions of girls confront multifaceted challenges that obstruct their growth, development, and well-being. From pervasive gender discrimination to entrenched barriers like lack of access to education and the prevalence of child marriage, the girl child in India navigates numerous obstacles every day. 5 Problems Faced by Girl Child in India In this blog, […]
Read More >>In a country where the girl child often faces barriers to education, Disha’s story reflects the transformative impact of empowering girls through education and is a great example of determination and resilience. Let’s delve into her story and discover how CRY played a pivotal role in shaping her future. Fund the Next Success Disha, a […]
Read More >>Immunization holds the key to protecting children’s health and building stronger communities. In India, however, a worrying gap exists – only 3 out of 5 children receive complete immunizations (NHFS 4 data – 2016). This leaves them vulnerable to preventable diseases like measles, mumps, and tetanus, potentially leading to severe complications and, in many cases, […]
Read More >>All schools were shut during the overwhelmingly difficult pandemic. But after many months of struggle, formal learning has finally resumed in schools. Unfortunately, many children who were enrolled in schools prior to the lockdown are unable to continue their education. This is because many of them dropped out during the gap when the schools were […]
Read More >>In India, the narrative surrounding girl-child education has evolved significantly over the years. No longer confined to traditional roles, girls today are breaking barriers and excelling academically, professionally, and socially. Our initiatives, specifically under their Right to Participation strategic initiatives, play a crucial role in paving the way for the holistic development and success of […]
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Read More >>Access to quality healthcare and nutrition is crucial for the healthy growth and development of children. Unfortunately, many underprivileged children around the world do not have access to these basic necessities, leaving them vulnerable to a host of health problems. In order to address this issue, we, at CRY (Child Rights and You), are working […]
Read More >>India has an estimated 46 million children between 6 and 18 years of age who are not in school (source: RGI Census Population Projection 2016 and Unified DISE 2016–17). Numerous students leave school, either to work as child labourers or because they are required to get married. Even though schools have officially resumed operations, students […]
Read More >>As we approach the end of 2022, we look back to our favourite moments that make us feel grateful. It’s the people like YOU, who helped us give happier childhoods to India’s children. With your support, we could give our children a year full of possibilities with good education, health and nutrition and empower them […]
Read More >>Diwali is one of the most anticipated holidays. Every household is buzzing with preparations and the much-awaited hustle-bustle of family members getting together for the festivities. From the annual house cleaning initiative to shopping for guests and new items for the home décor, there is so much to complete. Not to forget, the preparations include […]
Read More >>“One of my favourite things is to sit by the window and to wait for the aeroplane to fly by. I love watching aeroplanes, how beautiful it must be that they get to see so many new places and meet so many new people. One day I will also travel to new cities. I will […]
Read More >>Nutrition is essential for children, especially during their first 1000 days. The care given to them in this initial phase of their lives can prove to be extremely helpful for wholesome development. But the truth is that underprivileged children get little or no resources to grow up in a healthy environment. The lack of diet, […]
Read More >>As we look back, the year gone by was tough for every one of us and children were the unseen victims of the situation. However, during these unprecedented times, when everything looked impossible, your generosity and contribution helped us transform the lives of 9 lac children across 19+ states in India by helping them continue their […]
Read More >>According to UNICEF 2019 and ICMR 2019, 2 of 3 child deaths, below the age of 5, are caused by malnutrition. These alarming statistics throw light on the underserved children of India who are deprived of basic resources. Malnutrition in India holds children back from a happier and healthier childhood. The reality is that millions of children […]
Read More >>Republic Day is a celebration of India’s journey as a republic and the values that guide it – equality, dignity, and collective responsibility. This republic day is also a moment to reflect on how these values shape the everyday lives of children across the country. For millions of children, a healthy and supported childhood is […]
Read More >>With immense joy and pride, we are super thrilled to share this story about our amazing girls from Taratala, Kolkata who are reaching new heights by winning accolades at the state-level kickboxing and karate tournaments. 11-year-old Rupali with other girls Laxmi and Puja won gold and silver medals at the West Bengal state kickboxing championship […]
Read More >>11th October is commemorated as International Day of the Girl. This occasion is marked to spread awareness about the girl child and the need to protect her, and also about the many disparities that are still practised among children based on their gender. Based on RGI Census 2016 and UDISE data 2016-17, around 38% of […]
Read More >>The coronavirus pandemic has impacted everyone in some or another way especially the marginalised sections of society. While the second wave caused huge destruction, overcoming COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and ensuring vaccination is the only way to keep the anticipated third wave at bay. Among everyone, the underserved communities are the ones who bear the brunt […]
Read More >>The second wave of the pandemic has left many underserved communities vulnerable, especially underprivileged children. To help them in these unprecedented and overwhelming times, we, at CRY, have jumped into action. We are working hard to ensure that children and their families are safe and proactive in fighting the spread of coronavirus with awareness, preventive […]
Read More >>12th June is marked as World Day Against Child Labour across the globe. It aims to raise awareness and prevent child labour. The commemoration of this social cause is extremely important as in India itself, there are more than 10 million working children under the age of 14 (Census 2011). This occasion throws light on […]
Read More >>The second wave of the pandemic is raging across India and taking a toll on the citizens, especially those hailing from underprivileged communities. Also, with the recent news stories about Black Fungus being called an epidemic in certain states, we need all the help we can get to recover from the devastation caused by the […]
Read More >>But where does it all begin? For girls from underprivileged communities, it begins when they’re still children. It’s when she notices fewer chapatis on her plate as compared to her brother. When she is asked to discontinue her education while her brother continues to go to school, because her family needs her to take care of household work instead. This deep-rooted issue of gender inequality […]
Read More >>Many organizations actively believe in Corporate Social Responsibility to give back to society by contributing towards serving underprivileged communities in India. One of the ways to do so is by partnering with NGOs to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children affected by poverty in India – one of the main reasons why millions of children do not get […]
Read More >>Children are bearing the brunt of the on-going pandemic in so many ways but at CRY, we’re not backing down! Take the case of 17-year-old Sabita* from a fisherman community in Samastipur, Bihar. A fishmonger at the local market, her father is the only breadwinner in their large family with 6 children – 5 of […]
Read More >>Child labour has been a perennial problem in India – one that has tremendous short term as well as long term ramifications for the lives of underprivileged children. Child labour is a grim reality that continues to cast a shadow over the world. This practice, often driven by poverty and limited opportunities, robs children of […]
Read More >>Memory Contributors: Ila D Hukku, Bondona Dutta, Pervin Varma, C.S Mahesh, Janaki Venkat Narrative by Bondona Dutta Picture caption: ManCom 1997 Bondona Dutta: After Rippan passed away in 1994, for a while we were all lost. Ami (Amita Kapur) who was the successor had to leave due to personal problems and it was a huge […]
Read More >>Memory Contributor: Tara Sabavala Picture Caption: Tara Sabavala with JRD Tata at the Jehangir Art Gallery, Art for CRY, Bombay (now Mumbai), 1988 Build the Future After college in St. Xavier’s, I decided to get into the advertising business. I had two options, O&M (now Ogilvy) who were looking to recruit but wanted a two-year […]
Read More >>Chandni* is a 14-year-old girl studying in the 8th grade in Lakhimpur, Kheri district. She and her school-mates faced acute unavailability of drinking water as there were no functional hand pumps in school. This shortage of water created a lot of distress among the children and had an adverse impact on their ability to study. […]
Read More >>CRY has been working in Gujarat to combat the issue of malnutrition amongst children across 10 villages. Rahul* was one such child who weighed a shockingly low 1.7 kgs during birth. Born into an impoverished family, he suffered from severe malnutrition in addition to deformities in his legs due to improper bone development. Three days […]
Read More >>Child marriage in India continues to be a rampant practice. But some children and their courage are exceptional and inspirational. Such is the story of Viji*, a 14-year-old, who was ecstatic to see her mother when she arrived home from the welfare hostel she had to reside at in order to attend school. Even though […]
Read More >>The Coronavirus outbreak continues to drive unprecedented challenges across the world. And while India has taken necessary measures to control the spread of the virus, the on-going nationwide lockdown has left underprivileged communities and their children even more vulnerable than before. The immediate impact of the pandemic is visible with the mass migration of daily […]
Read More >>Asha belonged to a poor family living in a small village in Latur. Despite the challenges posed by poverty, she persisted in seeking education but when she reached 10th grade – her parents asked her to drop out of school and get married. Asha worked hard towards her dream of serving the country and as […]
Read More >>When Muthumanoranjini read about Kalpana Chawla as part of her English curriculum, she was in awe of the fact that a small town girl was able to reach for the stars. Hailing from a small village in Tamil Nadu, she wasn’t sure if she’d be allowed to dream big. Having been a part of CRY […]
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