CCPCR Inaugurates ‘Sashakt Baal Mahotsav–4.0’ with the Theme ‘#Nasha Quit–Life Hit’

Chandigarh, 21 October 2026: The Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) inaugurated the fourth edition of its month-long celebration, ‘Sashakt Baal Mahotsav (SBM)–4.0, 2026’, at the auditorium of Chandigarh Judicial Academy, Sector 43, Chandigarh.

A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of a T-shirt featuring this year’s theme, ‘#Nasha Quit–Life Hit’, aimed at sensitising children, educators, parents and the wider community about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promoting a healthy, safe and substance-free lifestyle. Reflecting the festival’s commitment to inclusion, an exhibition of artefacts created by children with special needs (CWSN) from all school clusters was also organised.

Ms. Harleen A. Sharma, Director Administration, Chandigarh Judicial Academy, graced the occasion as the Special Guest, while Shri Naveen Rattu, DANICS, Director, Social Welfare and Women & Child Development, Chandigarh Administration, was the Guest of Honour. Shri Aakash Mittal, Assistant Labour Commissioner; Ms. Nirmal Sharma, Deputy Director, Education Department; and Shri Sanjeev Kumar Singla, District Education Officer, U.T. Chandigarh, were also present.

The programme brought together principals, vice-principals, cluster heads and cluster resource coordinators from government, private and aided schools across Chandigarh, along with NSS students and children from Child Care Institutions (CCIs). Representatives of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Union Territory Child Protection Society (UTCPS), District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and resident managers of CCIs also participated. Students presented cultural and folk performances, while Punjab Martial Arts presented a Gatka performance.

In her welcome address, Ms. Shipra Bansal, Chairperson, CCPCR, extended warm greetings to the dignitaries, educators, child protection functionaries and children. She expressed gratitude to Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, for his continued guidance and encouragement in safeguarding child rights and promoting children’s holistic development and well-being.

Ms. Bansal also acknowledged the support of the Chandigarh Administration, particularly the Education Department and the Social Welfare Department, in organising the Mahotsav. She emphasised that the collective efforts of all stakeholders are essential to strengthening Chandigarh’s vision of becoming a child-friendly city.

Elaborating on this year’s theme, she stressed the need to empower children from an early age to make healthy choices, build resilience, recognise the risks associated with substance use and seek guidance and support whenever required. She added that SBM–4.0 also seeks to nurture moral values, courtesy and respectful behaviour among children, enabling them to lead lives of dignity.

The month-long celebration will feature a range of educational activities and competitions, including shloka recitation, declamation, show and tell, theatre, storytelling, drawing and poster-making. These activities will explore child-centric themes aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging learning through creativity, dialogue and participation.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Naveen Rattu appreciated CCPCR’s initiative and emphasised the importance of collective action in ensuring the safety, dignity and holistic development of every child. He observed that the theme ‘#Nasha Quit–Life Hit’ is particularly relevant, as children and adolescents need timely guidance, awareness and supportive environments to make informed choices. He urged schools, teachers, parents, community representatives and child protection stakeholders to work together to nurture healthy habits, encourage open communication and help children lead purposeful, addiction-free lives.

In her presidential remarks, Ms. Harleen A. Sharma commended CCPCR for organising the fourth edition of Sashakt Baal Mahotsav. She highlighted the connection between the spirit of the Mahotsav and the principles underlying the Constitution and child protection laws, including the Juvenile Justice Act and the POCSO Act. She emphasised that safeguarding child rights encompasses protection, empowerment, participation and positive development. She added that an empowered childhood forms the foundation of a just society, and initiatives such as SBM help translate these principles into meaningful action.