Ahmedabad: Shree Shakti Seva Kendra, a social organisation dedicated to the welfare of underprivileged children, will launch a statewide awareness campaign titled “Child Begging-Free Gujarat” on May 1, coinciding with Gujarat Foundation Day.
The initiative aims to drive long-term social change by shifting focus from sympathy-based responses to structured education and rehabilitation for children engaged in begging. The campaign was announced at Shree Shakti Convention Centre in the presence of social leaders and prominent personalities from various sectors. Centered on the message that every child deserves a classroom, not the streets, the campaign seeks to mobilise citizens to actively participate in helping children transition from begging to education and a life of dignity.
As part of Gujarat’s 66th Foundation Day celebrations, 66 prominent personalities—including professionals, industrialists and public figures—will release 20–30 second video messages across social media platforms to encourage public participation and collective responsibility.
Speaking on the occasion, Usha Agrawal said the initiative represents a deeply meaningful journey that has evolved from helping a handful of children to transforming hundreds of lives. She highlighted that several children supported by the organisation have gone on to pursue higher education and build successful careers, demonstrating that societal intervention can bring lasting change.
She further emphasised that every child has the right to learn, grow and dream, adding that the campaign aims to create a collective movement where no child is forced into begging. She also appealed to citizens to contribute through awareness, educational support and by discouraging the practice of giving alms.
Established in 2011, Shree Shakti Seva Kendra has supported more than 200 children by providing shelter, nutrition and education. Over the years, the initiative has evolved into a structured support system focused on building confidence, skills and aspirations.
Among its notable achievements is the formation of Gujarat’s first tribal girls’ bagpiper band, comprising children who were once engaged in begging. The group has performed before national and state dignitaries, symbolising the transformative impact of sustained social intervention.
In addition to child welfare, the organisation has also prioritised women’s empowerment, enabling over 350 women to become self-reliant through skill development initiatives such as tailoring, diya-making and incense stick production.
Looking ahead, the organisation plans to expand its outreach by establishing new training centres in Tharad and other locations, with a focus on enhancing livelihood opportunities for women. Through the “Child Begging-Free Gujarat” campaign, Shree Shakti Seva Kendra aims to inspire a broader public movement and contribute towards building a society where every child has access to education and opportunity.