Kanaka speaks for child safety in parliament

BENGALURU: ‘NAMASKARA’, was her opening line. Then she read out a Kannada poem “Naavu makkalu Naavu geleyaru...” In the next eight minutes she spoke on several issues, including child trafficking and child abuse, impressing all. It was a dream come true for namma Kanaka as she addressed the Parliament in New Delhi on Monday. This 17-yearold girl was selected by UNICEF to express her views on children- related issues in Indian Parliament to mark the Universal Children’s Day. Kanaka was among the 30 children selected across the nation and the only one to represent Karnataka. Highlighting the importance of child safety, she shared her own experience as a child labourer.

She requested the elected representatives to help children enjoy their childhood and ensure their safety. Kanaka recalled the story of her friend who was abused by a school teacher when she was in Class 5 and said, “I tried to portray the plight of girls in the country. I suffered as a child labourer and after losing my mother, I had to face mental and emotional abuse. I could not enjoy my childhood. I shared this during my address so that other children do not meet the same fate.” Asked about the experience of addressing the Parliament, she said, “It was a life-time experience. I never dreamt of visiting Delhi or entering the Parliament. Tears rolled out of my eyes the moment I entered Parliament. I can’t express how happy I am. I thank everyone who helped me reach this stage. Special thanks to SPARSHA team (NGO that fights against child labour) who are my parents today,” said Kanaka.

No K’taka MP was present

Kanaka was unhappy as no Karnataka MP was present in the Parliament. “While MPs from other states were present to encourage the children, no one from Karnataka was there,” she said.