First Ever Anthem Against Child Labour Launched

“Hum nayi sabhyata ki rachna ko nikal pade,

Ab kalam hamari hai aur hai kitaab apni
Likhne ko, padhne ko, hum bachche nikal pade,
Takdeerein gadhne ko hum bachche nikal pade,
Har chhor se dharti ke hum bachche nikal pade”

New Delhi,  Commemorating the World Day Against Child Labour, the first ever ‘Anthem
Against Child Labour’ was launched today by the Honourable Minister of Labour & Employment, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in an exclusive event hosted by Bachpan Bachao Andolan and Global March Against Child Labour at the Press Club of India.

Speaking on the occasion ,Narendra Singh Tomar said, “This government is totally committed for the total elimination of child labour from India, and it is going to do everything that is possible whether it is through making new laws or enforcing the existing laws, or changing the perceptions of the society,This government which has been elected with a clear mandate has already shown tremendous commitment to the elimination of poverty and this elimination of poverty is going to contribute to elimination of child labour. However, those exploiting these children must also be punished, and they must be punished with a legal deterrent. History has witnessed that former child labourers who have been rescued have gone on to do tremendous things for society. In India if we have to create a better future for our children, we have to protect all children. ” committed Minister Tomar.
I dedicate my first months’ salary to Bachpan Bachao Andolan to carry out this noble cause to end child labour in India,” pledged Minister Tomar.
The anthem, the lyrics for which were first written by Shri Satyarthi during the historic global march of 1998 has been composed and sung by celebrated singer Jasbir Jassi who shares a long association with Bachpan Bachao Andolan.
Jassi on the release of the music said, “Sports and music bind people. This anthem is my small contribution to the fight against child labour. And I promise to continue. I will promote this song and I urge the media to promote this song like the other commercial music.”
Speaking at the launch of the music video, Kailash Satyarthi said, “Anthem Against Child Labour is not merely a song, but the musical spark to liberate shackled innocence and robbed childhood. It is the loudest chorus to unite all voices, minds, and souls for emancipation from child slavery. My feelings and emotions along with the children’s quest for freedom have been brought alive by noted singer Jassi’s magical voice and reverberating music. There are 168 million children globally who are engaged in child labour and India accounts for 5 million child labourers as per government data and 50 million as per NGO estimates. We welcome the two very important remarks that Prime Minister Modi made in the Parliament  earlier yesterday with special emphasis on skill development and issue-centric focused activity. Time is running out. It is 

now or never.We earnestly demand the immediate passage of the Child Labour (Prohibition& Regulation) Amendment  Bill pending before the Rajya Sabha and the ratification of ILO Conventions No. 182 on worst forms of child labour and  No. 138 on the minimum age of employment.”
Shri Narendra Singh Tomar launched the anthem along with Jassi and Satyarthi. The Minister also launched the research report on 'Economics Behind Forced Labour Trafficking: Comprehensive Case Studies of Child Domestic Labour and Commercial Sexual Exploitation' brought out by Global March Against Child Labour.
The anthem which is being promoted through various media channels would serve as an inspiration for millions worldwide to raise their voice against the scourge of child labour.