Dhruv Team Rescues Siblings from Abuse, Ensures Safety and Support
Sawankumar, an 11-year-old boy, and his 10-year-old brother, Dilipkumar, were living in a situation of extreme distress. A concerned caller reached out to the Dhruv Team, reporting that the children were being subjected to both physical and emotional abuse by their paternal uncle. The caller sought urgent intervention to protect the children.
Without delay, the Dhruv Team swiftly established contact with the caller. The information gathered revealed that the children were residing with their grandparents, but their paternal uncle had been subjecting them to relentless violence, forcibly evicting them from their own home for the past three days.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Dhruv Team immediately contacted the Damavaav Police Station, seeking their immediate intervention. On the same night, the police visited the children’s residence, ensuring Sawankumar’s safety. Both siblings were relocated to the house of a Grampanchayat Member for protection.
The following day, a Dhruv Team member, accompanied by police protection, visited the Damavaav Police Station and subsequently went to the children’s home. Both the village elders and the children’s grandfather were summoned for an inquiry. The grandfather revealed that the paternal uncle had been subjecting the children to severe beatings, citing incidents where they had attended aarti without prior notice and returned home later than expected. This pattern of abuse had persisted for three consecutive days.
In a crucial turning point, the paternal uncle was sensitively counseled by the Dhruv Team. He was made to understand the gravity of his actions and committed, in writing, to refrain from using violence towards the children henceforth. He was also warned of the legal consequences he would face if he failed to adhere to this agreement.
Through timely intervention and collaboration with local authorities, the Dhruv Team succeeded in providing a safe haven for Sawankumar and Dilipkumar, ensuring they could begin to heal from their traumatic experience.
Reuniting Kishan with His Family
A concerned caller reported that a missing child named Kishan had been located within the jurisdiction of Himmatnagar A Division Police Station. The caller sought the assistance of the Childline team in reuniting the child with his family.
Without delay, the Childline Team swiftly responded. Team member arrived at the police station and took custody of Kishan. A formal diary entry was made at the police station to document the intervention. With the support of police escorts, Kishan was taken to the Civil Hospital, where a mandatory COVID-19 test was conducted to ensure his well-being.
Subsequently, Kishan was presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for further assessment and care planning. Simultaneously, the diligent efforts of the Childline Team led to the successful tracking and contact of Kishan’s family. In conversation with his parents, it was revealed that they faced financial constraints that prevented them from traveling from Khedbrahma to Himmatnagar to reunite with their child.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the CWC issued an order for Kishan to be safely escorted to Khedbrahma, ensuring his safe return to his family. Member of the Childline team accompanied him alongside the police, facilitating a smooth handover to his relieved parents.
Through coordinated efforts, Childline ensured that Kishan’s journey back home was not only successful but also conducted with utmost care and consideration for his well-being.
Preventing a Child Marriage: Sujataben's Story
Sujataben*, a 17-year-old girl, was on the brink of facing the harsh reality of child marriage. A concerned individual contacted the Childline, seeking urgent assistance to prevent this unlawful union from taking place.
The Childline Team acted swiftly, preparing a formal request that was promptly submitted to the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), urging their intervention in the case. Together with the DCPU and SDO, the Childline Team visited Boriya village, the location of the impending marriage.
Upon arrival, the team engaged with Sujataben’s parents, carefully scrutinizing the provided documents. It was established that Sujataben was indeed a mere 17 years old, rendering the proposed marriage illegal. The parents confirmed that the marriage had not yet been solemnized.
In order to avert this impending marriage, the team secured a written undertaking from Sujataben’s parents, along with relevant documentation. Two witnesses were also present to validate the proceedings. Through prompt and coordinated efforts with relevant authorities, Childline team successfully intervened in Sujataben’s case, preventing a child marriage and ensuring that she could continue her education and pursue a brighter future.
A New Dawn for Mahesh: Conquering Addiction
Mahesh is a 17-year-old boy, was struggling with tobacco addiction, displaying anger outbursts, and exhibiting misbehavior towards his single widow mother. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, a concerned individual reached out to the Dhruv Team, seeking assistance in helping Mahesbhai overcome his challenges.
The Dhruv Team promptly responded, visiting Mahesbhai’s home to meet both him and his mother. With compassion and expertise, team engaged in counselling sessions, emphasizing the detrimental effects of tobacco addiction and addressing the underlying issues contributing to his anger and misbehaviour. Team member provided crucial guidance on healthier coping mechanisms and communication skills.
Continuing dedicated efforts, the Dhruv Team conducted a follow-up visit. Encouraging signs emerged as Mahesbhai’s mother reported a noticeable improvement in her son’s habits. He had made significant strides in reducing his tobacco consumption, displaying fewer anger outbursts, and exhibiting more respectful behaviour towards his mother. Regular counselling is done for Mahesh’s road to recovery.
Through empathetic counselling and steadfast support, Dhruv team has empowered Mahesh to take control of his life, break free from addiction, and rebuild a healthier relationship with his mother.
Roadside Child Labor Rescue
During an outreach initiative, a dedicated Childline team encountered a distressing situation at a road construction site in Khanpur. Team discovered six children actively engaged in laborious work. Further inquiry revealed that a well-known contractor had secured a contract for road construction and had employed these children.
Swift action was taken by the Childline team. They approached the site supervisor and emphatically urged him to cease employing children for such hazardous tasks. Simultaneously, the parents of these children were provided with counselling, emphasizing the importance of their children’s education and well-being over labor.
In a crucial step towards ensuring the children’s safety, a letter of undertaking was obtained from the parents, wherein they pledged not to allow their children to engage in labor. This commitment served as a vital safeguard for the children’s rights.
Additionally, the Childline team proactively reported the case to the Labor Department in writing, seeking their intervention and highlighting the urgent need to address child labor in the construction sector.
Facilitating Medical Assistance for Kajal's Recovery from Wild animal attack
Kajal, a courageous 5-year-old, confronted a harrowing experience when she was attacked by a leopard while playing near her home. A concerned individual urgently reached out to the Dhruv Team, seeking immediate assistance for Kajal.
The Dhruv Team swiftly sprang into action, ensuring Kajal’s prompt transfer to Padradi Hospital for critical medical attention. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, a press reporter was informed and a press note was prepared. The reporter conducted a thorough investigation of the incident.
Acknowledging the severity of Kajal’s injuries, the Dhruv Team facilitated her transfer from Padradi Hospital to Godhra Civil Hospital, where she received specialized care. Her condition necessitated referral to SSG Hospital, Vadodara for advanced treatment. However, due to concerns regarding the quality of care, Kajal’s parents opted for admission to Bhagyoday Hospital, Godhra.
The Dhruv Team organized a reference letter from SSG Hospital to Bhagyoday Hospital and ensured Kajal’s admission by 7 PM. Team member met with the attending doctor at Bhagyoday Hospital to discuss the treatment plan.
On the following day, a successful surgery was performed, resulting in four stitches on Kajal’s neck. The doctor assured a steady recovery with prescribed medications. Kajal’s parents, facing financial strain, sought assistance from the Dhruv Team. Team member were advised to produce medical bills for further support.
The Dhruv Team conducted a follow-up visit to the hospital, meeting Kajal and her parents. Team member also engaged with the hospital owner, negotiating a discount of 1000 rupees on the medical bills. The Dhruv Team contributed 3500 rupees towards the remaining expenses, facilitating Kajal’s discharge from the hospital.
In a subsequent visit to Kajal’s home, the Dhruv Team found her in improved health, free from worries about her well-being. Dhruv’s timely and determined intervention ensured that Kajal received the care she needed, allowing her to embark on the road to recovery and a brighter future.
Rescuing Begging Children in Mora Village
Yogeshbhai, Kanubhai, and Mago, aged 11, 12, and 8 respectively, were found begging near Mora village, prompting a concerned individual to contact the Dhruv Team for assistance. Upon arriving at the location, the Dhruv Team discovered the children engaged in begging. They promptly engaged with the children and, subsequently, their parents arrived.
The Dhruv Team initiated a crucial conversation with the parents, emphasizing the legal consequences and penalties outlined in the Prevention of Child Labour Act. Team stressed the significance of education and the detrimental impact of child labor on a child’s development. The team’s compassionate approach aimed to educate and counsel the parents about the importance of sending their children to school rather than resorting to child labor.
The case highlights the team’s unwavering commitment to preventing child labor and promoting access to education, ensuring that these children have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
A Lifesaving Journey: Dhruv Team's Compassionate Assistance During Lockdown
A concerned caller reached out to the Dhruv Team with a pressing issue: his wife had given birth to a baby at Gopi Hospital in Bhuravav-Godhra. Due to lockdown restrictions, transportation options were limited, leaving the new parents stranded at the hospital without a means to return home with their newborn.
The Dhruv Team promptly visited the hospital, connecting with the distressed caller. Despite their efforts to contact 108 for assistance, they were informed that the service only covered transportation from home to the hospital, not the return journey. The hospital’s doctor suggested using their ambulance service, but the cost proved to be prohibitively high for the family.
Undeterred, the Dhruv Team explored alternative options, including reaching out to Khilkhilat for assistance. Unfortunately, Khilkhilat’s services were exclusively available for patients in government hospitals. Undeterred, the team persisted in their mission to find a solution.
Through teams determined efforts, we successfully coordinated with the Humanist Association, a charitable organization. This collaboration resulted in the provision of ambulance services at a significantly reduced cost. With timely and compassionate intervention, the Dhruv Team ensured the safe journey of the newborn and their family back home during the challenging circumstances of the lockdown.
Empowerment of Orphaned Siblings through Government Support
Jialkumari, a 17-year-old girl, Sujalkumar, a 15-year-old boy, and Priya, a 14-year-old girl, were orphaned during covid second wave and in need of support. A concerned individual during an outreach program contacted the Dhruv Team, seeking assistance for these three vulnerable children.
The Dhruv Team took immediate action, reaching out to the paternal grandmother over the phone. She explained that the children’s father had passed away, and their mother had remarried. The team recommended applying for the Palak Mata Pita scheme, guiding her on the necessary documentation, including a bonafide certificate from the school and the parents’ death certificates. The team assured her of full support in processing and submitting these documents to the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU).
Following the initial communication, the Dhruv Team conducted a house visit and discovered that some documents had been collected, but a few were still pending. Team encouraged the family to gather the remaining documents and assured them that team could reach out for further assistance.
Over time, the Dhruv Team’s diligent efforts bore fruit. Team collected the required documents and submitted them to the DCPU office. As a result, the children began receiving sponsorship support, amounting to Rs.3000/month.
Through Dhruv’s dedicated intervention and guidance, these siblings were empowered to access essential government support, providing them with a brighter and more secure future.
Dhruv Team Advocates for Education Rights at Hathoj Chavni Primary School
Uvarajbhai Valsinhbhai Vanjara, a 13-year-old student, faced a concerning situation when his school, Hathoj Chavni Primary School, abruptly cancelled the 6th and 7th standard classes without providing any prior notice. Recognizing the gravity of this issue, a concerned individual reached out to the Dhruv Team, seeking assistance in addressing this educational injustice.
The Dhruv Team promptly conducted a house visit, meeting with Uvarajbhai’s parents. Team member learned that the school authorities had made the sudden decision to cancel the 6th and 7th standard classes for the current academic year, and without informing parents, handed over the children’s Leaving Certificates to a nearby school. Uvarajbhai’s parents were rightfully concerned about their children’s right to education being violated.
In response, the Dhruv Team took decisive action. Team members approached the District Education Officer (DEO) of Sabarkantha, representing the issue and advocating for a proper follow-up and necessary action to rectify the situation.
Through Dhruv’s proactive intervention, we advocated for Uvarajbhai and his peers, ensuring that their right to education was protected and that they could continue their academic journey without disruption.