Human Touch

A child at a traffic signal is not just asking for money. Perhaps they're asking us a far more uncomfortable question.

What if every child begging on Goa's streets is actually evidence that our child protection system has already failed?

Before we ask: "Why are they begging?"

Shouldn't we also ask:
Why are these children still on our streets year after year?

Who is investigating whether they are victims of trafficking, neglect or organised exploitation?

Does Goa have enough child protection staff and infrastructure to rehabilitate them?

Why isn't child protection mandatory at fairs, melas, festivals and other large public gatherings where children are most vulnerable?

Are we treating the symptom—or confronting the system that failed these children?

The High Court has opened an important conversation. It must not end with rescue drives and statistics.

Because every child on the street is not merely a reminder of poverty—it is a test of our collective conscience and our commitment to child protection.

Should children have any place in a gambling environment?

Today's O Heraldo has published my opinion piece, "A Crèche on a Casino Vessel Does Not Make It Child-Friendly."

The article was prompted by concerns raised by Ponnjekars Against Casinos (PAC) regarding the alleged entry of minors into Goa's offshore casino vessels and the larger questions this raises about enforcement, regulation, and child protection.

This is not about whether one supports or opposes casinos.

It is about whether, as a State that prides itself on being child-friendly, we can ignore the questions that arise when children are present in environments built around gambling.

The Goa Children's Act, the Juvenile Justice Act, and the principle of the best interests of the child all invite us to ask a simple but important question:

If children are protected from gambling, should they also be protected from gambling environments?

Sometimes the most important public debates begin not with answers, but with the courage to ask the right questions.

I invite you to read the article and share your thoughts.

SAFE CHOICES at Dayanand High School, Chorao

To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, I had the opportunity to conduct a SAFE CHOICES session for close to 60 students and teachers of Dayanand High School, Chorao.

SAFE CHOICES, an initiative of Human Touch Foundation, is a substance use prevention framework grounded in Behavioural Science. The session explored the continuum of substance use, misuse, harmful use, dependence, and addiction, while helping students understand how emotions, peer influence, judgement, impulse control, and decision-making shape everyday choices.

Moving beyond fear-based messaging, the discussion focused on building awareness, resilience, and the confidence to make healthier and safer life decisions.

Thank you to the Management, Principal, teachers, and students for their warm welcome and active participation.

SAFE CHOICES
Think Better. Choose Better. Live Better.


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