Youth Lead Assam’s World Children’s Day Movement

GUWAHATI— World Children’s Day across Assam and the Northeast marked a significant shift this year, as children and adolescents stepped into leadership roles to advocate for their rights. Supported by UNICEF, young people led digital campaigns and on-ground initiatives demanding safer communities, stronger education systems, and an end to child marriage.

Anchored by the youth-driven theme “My Day. My Rights. My Game.”, this year’s observance featured a digital storytelling project involving adolescents from the Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL). Using mobile phones, players documented their daily experiences through video diaries and photo essays, reflecting how their rights to education, safety and play unfold across home, school and the volleyball court. Their stories underscored persistent gaps that push children—especially girls—out of school and toward early marriage.

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Shared widely on social media and amplified by UNICEF and influencers, the campaign generated a digital reach of over one million. According to UNICEF, the initiative demonstrated how youth-led storytelling can influence social norms and mobilise community support.

UNICEF’s Chief for Assam and the Northeast, Dr. Madhulika Jonathan, noted that when children narrate their own experiences, they become catalysts for social change rather than passive recipients of support.

Political leadership across states echoed similar commitments. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reiterated that ending child marriage and strengthening girls’ education remain core priorities for the state. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasised collective responsibility in ensuring children grow up in safe, inclusive and opportunity-rich environments.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal referred to children as essential contributors to policy direction and called for sustained investment in their well-being.

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Public figures also played a role in amplifying young voices. Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu, musician Alobo Naga, actress Kripalaxmi Gurumayum, and boxers Ankushita Boro and Barbi Gogoi used their platforms to highlight sports, safety, mental health and the right to education as essential components of childhood.

A notable policy development emerged with Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar proposing a dedicated Juvenile Justice Secretariat for the Northeast. The proposed body aims to streamline child-friendly judicial processes, enhance coordination between justice and welfare departments, and strengthen implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act.

In a symbolic gesture of participatory governance, the Assam Police hosted “Vaartalap with Children”, where children assumed the role of Director General of Police for a day. During structured dialogues, they raised concerns about cyber safety, school security and pressures faced by girls. Officials stated that the exercise provided direct insights into the lived realities of young people and strengthened trust between youth and law enforcement.

The region also witnessed a visual demonstration of solidarity, as 45 landmark buildings across Assam and Meghalaya were illuminated in blue. These included Janata Bhawan, Assam Legislative Assembly, Meghalaya High Court, and police headquarters across multiple districts.

More than 20 cultural and public influencers extended the campaign’s reach. Assamese actor–producer Aimee Baruah and RJ Mandy led the “Child in Me – #PromiseToChildren” campaign on Instagram, reaching close to one million users with messages on child marriage, mental health and education.

UNICEF stated that the movement aligns with its long-term mandate to end violence, expand access to education and strengthen rights-based institutions across the Northeast. With growing youth participation and institutional backing, UNICEF believes the region is positioned to become a national model for child leadership and inclusion.

“Together, we are building a Northeast where every child can say with confidence: My day. My rights. My game,” UNICEF said.