Soon after the national win, I had my hands full with various projects that ultimately led towards the goal — to ensure that children are safe from harm and abuse. My Beauty with a Purpose (BWAP) project 10-9-8 was instituted to promote the safety and security of children, and for the same, I approached the Hyderabad police and they guided me with many more doors of opportunity.
During my visit to Hyderabad, I personally met with Shikha Goel, IPS, Additional Commissioner of Police Hyderabad, with a plan to ensure that every traffic signal in Hyderabad amplifies the message of 1098, the child National Child care helpline. As we continued discussing the harsh reality of child sexual abuse, she told me about their campaign against child sexual abuse and about how it needs equal importance, and I was all the more happy and honoured to get on board because, and as an extension of my Beauty with a Purpose (BWAP) project 10-9-8, I partnered with the Hyderabad police force to prevent and stop child sexual abuse. At the end of the day, the goal is to ensure that children feel protected.
Speaking about the same, Shikha stated, "As per the National Children's Registry (NCR), about 109 children in India suffer child sexual abuse every day. It is something that happens around the world, not only in our country but a large number of these cases are unreported. Why does this happen? Either because the child does not understand what's happening to him or her, is afraid, or feels like it's his or her fault. To address this gap, the Telangana government and the Hyderabad city police came together to initiate 'Bharosa.'"
At Bharosa support centre, every victim is treated to ensure that his or her journey towards justice is as comfortable and as painless as possible.
Amid COVID-19, there was a significant rise in cases of child marriage, forced child labour, and sexual abuse. And while a national hotline for child protection (10-9-8) exists in India, there is little to no public awareness of the same. But through my little initiative project 10-9-8, I wish to strengthen the child protection system in India by spreading awareness on how a young child in distress can reach out for help by dialing four digits -- a number that can save a life.
As we concluded the meeting, Shikha reassured me that this association is just the beginning and expressed her joy stating that as a Hyderabad native, she was proud that I decided to lend my voice and have chosen to give back to my beloved city.
