Shree Shakti Seva Kendra to launch statewide campaign against child begging on May 1

The central message of the campaign is that every child deserves a classroom, not the streets. Through a series of public awareness initiatives, Shree Shakti Seva Kendra aims to encourage citizens to play an active role in helping children move away from begging and towards education and a life of dignity.

As part of Gujarat’s 66th Foundation Day celebrations, 66 prominent personalities from across the state, including professionals, industrialists and people from public life, will share 20-30 second video messages in support of the campaign. These messages will be released across social media platforms to encourage public participation and inspire collective action.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Usha Agrawal, Founder of Shree Shakti Seva Kendra, said, “This has been a deeply meaningful and spiritual journey for us. What began as a small effort to help a few children has today grown into a movement that has transformed hundreds of lives. Over the years, we have seen children who once begged on the streets go on to pursue higher education and become successful professionals and athletes. These examples show that change is possible when society takes responsibility.”

She added, “We believe every child has the right to learn, grow and dream. Through the ‘Child Begging-Free Gujarat’ campaign, we want to build a collective movement where no child is forced to beg. We appeal to people to contribute in whatever way they can, whether by supporting education, spreading awareness or discouraging the practice of giving alms. Our goal is to help children move from ‘bhiksha’ to ‘shiksha’. The support we have received so far has been extremely encouraging.”

Shree Shakti Seva Kendra has been working in Ambaji since 2011 and has provided shelter, nutrition and education to more than 200 children. What began as a modest initiative has evolved into a structured support system focused on building confidence and aspirations among children.

One of the organisation’s most notable initiatives is the formation of Gujarat’s first tribal girls’ bagpiper band, comprising children who were once involved in begging. The band has performed before the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries, symbolising the transformative impact of the organisation’s work. Children associated with the organisation, including members of the band, were also present at the event.

Alongside its work with underprivileged children, the organisation has also focused on women’s empowerment and has helped more than 350 women become self-reliant through skills such as tailoring, diya-making and incense stick production.

Shree Shakti Seva Kendra remains committed to reaching more children in the future while continuing to strengthen women’s empowerment initiatives. The organisation is working towards setting up new training centres in Tharad and another location to help more women achieve financial independence.

Through the ‘Child Begging-Free Gujarat’ campaign, Shree Shakti Seva Kendra aims to inspire a broader public movement and collectively build a Gujarat where no child is left behind.

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