Institutions are not designed for children—and yet millions of children around the world grow up in them. From infancy through adolescence, institutional care exposes children to environments that deny them what they need most: love, stability, and human connection. Even when basic needs such as food and shelter are met, children in institutions often experience…

Childhood is a defining phase of life that shapes who we become as individuals and as members of society. Experiences in the early years leave lasting imprints on a child’s emotional health, cognitive abilities, and social behaviour. When children grow up in environments marked by poverty, neglect, violence, or instability, their development is often compromised…

Subsidiarity in adoption refers to the principle of making decisions about a child’s care andupbringing at the most local and immediate level possible. The adoption process includessafeguards to protect the child’s rights and well-being. A child-centric approach means that alldecisions and actions should prioritise what is best for a child’s overall well-being, safety, anddevelopment. This…

I am pleased to share that my book Every Child Deserves a Loving Family (Volume 2)  is now officially in distribution and available for sale on major online platforms. This volume builds on the discourse around child welfare, adoption, and family-based care, drawing from policy experience and practice in child protection. It aims to contribute…

A family serves as the foundation of socialisation by teaching individuals norms and values. It shapes individual development and community well-being. Family relationships cultivate emotional resilience, moral principles, and social skills. They provide support, security and identity foster individual and collective growth. Family structures form the backbone of communities, nurturing future generations. Human progress is…

Sudha Murty’s parenting secrets are a blend of wisdom and practical advice that every parent should consider. Here are the six life lessons she shares with parents: These lessons are not just advice but life-changing principles that can help parents raise confident, kind, and well-rounded children. Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/photo-gallery/sudha-murty-parenting-secrets-6-life-lessons-every-parent-must-know-1262192/sudha-murtys-parenting-secrets-6-life-lessons-every-parent-must-know-2-1262296/ Sudha Murty is an Indian author, social…

The development of self-confidence is a critical component of a child’s emotional, social, and psychological well-being. For children living within families, parents and caregivers play a primary role in fostering confidence through everyday interactions. However, for children residing in Child Care Institutions (CCIs), this responsibility rests largely with childcare staff and functionaries who operate within…

Junk culture goes far beyond fast food and unhealthy eating habits. It encompasses relentless screen exposure, addictive social media platforms, glorification of violence, instant fame, and the pressure to conform to unrealistic lifestyles. In India, and also in other parts of the globe, children are increasingly growing up in environments where their attention is monetised,…

Childhood does not pause while systems deliberate. Every record placed on a desk represents a child whose life has been shaped by abuse, neglect, or abandonment—experiences that leave lasting emotional and psychological harm. These children are not defined by documentation; they are individuals in urgent need of safety, stability, and care. Administrative delays in assessments,…

Making fun of someone’s pronunciation, name, or food habits and saying “go back to where you came from” are racist behaviours. They demean identity, deny belonging, and cause emotional harm. Such language violates dignity, equality, and inclusion, and must be actively challenged to ensure safe, respectful environments. When children and young students experience racism while…

Adoption in India is a life-changing process—for children in need of families and for prospective adoptive parents (PAPs) who open their homes and hearts to them.  While the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (amended in 2021), and the Adoption Regulations, 2022 provide a structured and transparent legal framework, the journey is…