Mobile Creches, a non-profit focused on early childhood development, organised “Nanhe Kadam Bal Utsav“, a knowledge fair centred on early childhood care, at the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy in New Delhi.
The event, held ahead of International Day of Care and Support on October 29, aimed to highlight initiatives supporting young children from vulnerable communities and drew participation from childcare advocates, policymakers, parents, and community members. Among the event’s attendees were Shamika Ravi, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Radhika Batra, Founder of Every Infant Matters; and Suhela Khan from UN Women, who addressed the audience, underlining the importance of childcare and early childhood development (ECD) in shaping future generations.
The Utsav featured a variety of interactive elements, such as ECD-themed stalls, a children’s story corner, a drawing space, and a photo exhibition.
Traditional performances, including Kathputli puppetry, a Nukkad Natak (street play), and a drum circle, showcased the importance of a holistic approach to child development.
Sumitra Mishra, CEO of Mobile Creches, opened the event, emphasising the organisation’s focus on early childhood support for disadvantaged families.
She stated, “Through Nanhe Kadam Bal Utsav, we celebrate the potential of every child and acknowledge the efforts of parents and care workers in laying a strong foundation for their future”.
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The event also marked the launch of a model creche, intended to set a standard for childcare centres in India. Radhika Batra inaugurated the creche, commending Mobile Creches’ efforts.
She noted the model’s expansion across 15 states in India and expressed optimism about the potential for similar initiatives in regions such as Africa and Latin America, where children face comparable challenges.
In an awards ceremony, Mobile Creches honoured 12 childcare champions from states including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. These caregivers, who received awards from Shamika Ravi, were recognised for their commitment to improving children’s well-being. Shamika Ravi highlighted the need for greater societal support for caregiving, acknowledging that women aged 18 to 60 in India spend approximately five hours daily on caregiving duties.
She stressed the importance of addressing caregiving as a critical issue for all social groups and advocated for more recognition of childcare as essential.
“Despite progress in education and workforce participation, caregiving responsibilities often impact women’s careers. Mobile Creches’ work underscores the need for a shift in caregiving responsibilities and increased government attention to this issue,” she said.
The event concluded with a performance by Manzil Mystics, adding a celebratory note to the day’s activities, as attendees celebrated the creativity and joy that early childhood brings. Mobile Creches, founded in 1969, is committed to supporting young children in vulnerable communities across India. With a focus on health, nutrition, early learning, and community engagement, the organisation has worked for over five decades to ensure that children on worksites and in underserved areas receive essential early childhood development services.
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