Bollywood star and UNICEF India National Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana recently made a poignant visit to Jalna, Maharashtra, to highlight the urgent need for a secure childhood for kids affected by seasonal migration. During his trip, the actor engaged with families and children supported by the UNICEF-backed Kinship and Community Care program, which focuses on providing essential education, health, nutrition, and mental health support while keeping children within the safety of their own communities.
Reflecting on the emotional impact of the initiative, Ayushmann stated that no child should ever lose their childhood due to their circumstances. He emphasized that kinship care does more than just provide a roof; it preserves vital family bonds, builds self-confidence, and offers a beacon of hope for a brighter future. During his interactions with youth volunteers and local families, he highlighted the story of 18-year-old Shilpa as a testament to what is possible when girls are raised in a safe, healthy, and educated environment.
UNICEF Acting Representative Jesper Moller also weighed in on the mission, noting that violence against children is preventable if systems are strengthened to identify risks and connect families with necessary services. The impact of these efforts in Jalna is already clear, with over 5,800 children enrolled in kinship care throughout 2024-25. This vital intervention is playing a crucial role in keeping children in school while actively reducing the risks of child labor and child marriage in the region.