Dentsu Impact creates a film for My Choices Foundation about 'lost' childhood of many kids
The film showcases various versions of Chotus. It communicates their silent suffering, a voice that the world can hear. It also urges that the next time anyone sees such heinous abuses around, it must be reported to 1800 419 8588 or by visiting www.mychoicesfoundation.org
Children are our future, our new vision; and that is exactly what Children’s Day celebrates. It is a day dedicated to increasing awareness about the welfare of our children. Yet, the reality is too far from truth. Children are suffering everywhere and are abused daily. Their basic rights, education, dignity, hope and, most of all, a childhood is snatched away from them, every single day. Currently, millions of child labours in India are employed across the country in various segments such as homes, factories, construction sites and elsewhere. Popularly referred to as 'Chotu', these children often deal with menial, backbreaking and dangerous jobs.
In an ode to showcase this tragedy, Dentsu Impact, the creative agency from the house of Dentsu International, has launched an eye-opening film in association with My Choices Foundation and Saregama Caravan.
This year, Children’s Day fell on the same day as Diwali. This is important since Children's Day — filled with festive stories and spirit, greatly overshadowed the focus on children and their needs. And here is the irony. Despite the fact that we still have a long way to go to vanquish the evil of child labour, we were intently celebrating the victory of good over evil this Diwali.
Thus, the film hopes to be a powerful weapon in this battle. Choosing Children’s Day to launch the film provided us with an opportunity to grab attention. The film showcases various versions of Chotus and the hellish world around which they exist. It communicates their silent suffering, a voice that the world can hear. It also sends out a message that the next time anyone sees such heinous abuses around, he or she must report it and not walk away. Only then, we will be able to save the world, one child at a time.
Anupama Ramaswamy, Managing Partner and National Creative Director, Dentsu Impact, said, “Seeing little children working to make ends meet is the worst form of pain. But we walk away, without reporting it. We need to help organisations like My Choices Foundation in whatever way we can. Because they work hard to help such children get their life back. Why did we choose to launch the film on Children’s Day? We believe that the contrast of using an occasion, which celebrates children to highlight their suffering, will make the bitter truth come into light more strongly. It is my hope that with more people understanding the message of the film, they will raise their voices against child labour, and help usher in change.”
Elca Grobler, Founder, My Choices Foundation, added, "Although there was much to celebrate on this Children's Day, we should note that there are too many children who still do not enjoy full rights and free choices. My Choices Foundation tailors programmes to empower them, so they can make choices to live their lives free from violence, abuse and exploitation. We aim to see the transformation of India into a safe place for children, and we hope this film will help us do that.”
The director of the film, Shashanka Chaturvedi aka Bob, Good Morning Films, said, “Anupama had mentioned this one incident to me on child trafficking, and it really shook me up. It was the driving force for me to make this piece. It’s something we need to address besides so many others in our society, and create awareness. If we start by stopping child labour at home, at work, and everywhere else, this piece will have done what it needs to do.”
We urge everyone to report cases of child labour by calling 1800 419 8588 or visiting www.mychoicesfoundation.org and bring back #ChotuKaChildhood.
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