Ahead of the 'World Day Against Child Labour' on June 12, an estimated 130 children from different slums of the city assembled at the Indian Museum today and pledged to raise their voices against the social menace.
The Kolkata chapter of NGO Child Rights and You (CRY) organised a programme for the children this morning on the museum grounds as part of its efforts create awareness on the issue.
The volunteers also made arrangements for a painting and science model exhibition on this occasion.
Filmmaker Srijit Mukherjee, music composer Anupam Roy and child actor Sara Sengupta, who played the titular role in 'Uma', lent their support to the cause.
The children gifted their paintings to all three of them.
Atindra Nath Das, the regional director of CRY (East), said the slum children, mostly from Rajabazar, Topsia, Kalighat, Dhapa and Howrah, were happy to receive appreciations for their creative display at the museum today.
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All of them, aged between 6 and 16, were groomed in extra-curricular activities at various CRY centres in the city, Das said.
"If given a chance to explore their full potential, the children can excel in their respective areas of interest. It is time we acknowledge that child labour is something that limits their horizon. Every child should be given adequate opportunity to learn and grow," he added.
Music composer and lyricist Anupam Roy said he was happy to be a part of the programme today.
"A child should sing, paint and study, not wash dishes at households or eateries," he opined.
Sara Sengupta, who recently received accolades for her performance in 'Uma', said she had a good time interacting with kids of her age at the programme today.
"The creative display here reminds me of my global warming project in the school. Every child is entitled to school education, I stand with CRY," she said.
The child actor also vowed to support similar campaigns in the future.
Describing the initiative as the "need of the hour", film director Srijit Mukherjee said people should ensure in their every day that no child is employed in their neighbourhood.