A tiff with a sibling here, a harsh scolding from an employer there—no matter the enormity of a situation, or the rational lack thereof—for children, any situation can eclipse their decision-making ability and force them to take an untoward step. At Railway Children India (RCI), the objective is clear, rescuing children at transport terminals before they feel pushed to the periphery and take a life to the streets. Every day, across several transport hubs, our teams rescue scores of children. These children form the center of our vision, mission and goals.
On the occasion of Children’s Day, we bring you a series of inspiring stories of rescue and rehabilitation; these are stories that depict life-changing interventions by team RCI in the lives of five children—children who, even if just momentarily, had lost complete hope of being able to live a life replete with happiness. While a detailed story of each case is about to follow suit, here are short excerpts that will only keep you hooked and awaiting. Read on.
Farah’s Story of Love, Defiance, and Homecoming
Sixteen-year-old Farah runs away from her home in Uttar Pradesh. When spotted by team RCI at Anand Vihar Train Station, she weaves an intricate story, but the true reason of her leaving her family and coming to a distant city soon emerges. How does teenage love set turn to teenage rebellion? How does it affect a tender life? Did Farah reach home safe? This case holds the answers to these questions and highlights the challenges of adolescent relationships and the importance of family support and empowerment.
Sanket’s Story of Fear and Elopement
Thirteen-year-old Sanket hailed from Palwal, Haryana. One day, he received fierce scolding from his father and teacher for not completing his homework. In a fit of rage, he ran away from his home all set to flee to Delhi. On reaching Delhi Cantt Railway Station he was promptly rescued by Railway Children India (RCI). But thereafter, a troubled childhood filled with violence and abuse was revealed. What does intervention entail on these cases? What does rehabilitation for a child look like? Sanket’s case answers these questions.
Arjun’s Story of Upturning Life as a Child Labourer to a School-Going Kid
Thirteen-year-old Arjun, who dropped out of school to support his family, got separated from his uncle’s sons during a train journey and ended up alone at New Delhi Railway Station. However, Railway Children India (RCI) facilitates his timely rescue and intervention. A follow-up visit revealed a happy Arjun away from the throes of child labour and into the fulfilling world of education. An unmissable inspiring read!
Nishita’s Journey from an Early Marriage to Reunification
Depicting the harrows of a child bride, Anam’s case is noteworthy. Combining the pressure of early marriage and raging teenage hormones, Anam’s case highlights the pressing need for sex education in a society that considers it taboo.
Priyesh’s Troubled Childhood and a Happy Return
Priyesh, a 5th-grade student, accidentally boarded a train with his friend Ayush and ended up at Delhi Cantt railway station. But was this episode indeed an accident or is there a belying trauma that Priyesh did not immediately reveal? This story of rescue and timely intervention only highlights the need for communication between parents and children—an oft-ignored necessity.
Stay tuned to discover these riveting tales that highlight the numerous issues plaguing children today.
